Being a homeowner means taking on the responsibility of all the things a home needs to run efficiently, from the appliances to the plumbing to the heating and air units. Since the HVAC system is one of the biggest energy users in your home — and one of the most expensive to repair — it’s imperative that you learn how to maintain it well so you’re not stuck in a bad situation when the heat of the summer rolls in.
Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to keep your system running smoothly all year round. Learning how to properly care for one of the more expensive fixtures in your home will help save you money and may even help down the road when you’re thinking of selling your house; buyers take a good look at the HVAC system when they’re house-hunting because they don’t want to lay out money in a year or two to replace it.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to take care of your HVAC system.
Keep It Clean
Keeping your system clean will definitely help when it comes to preventing damage and the need for costly repairs, and it won’t break the bank. You’re looking at between $50 and $100 and a timeline of about half a day, and you’ll need a screwdriver, a garden hose, a fin tool, foil tape, and a coil cleaner to get the job done. Make sure you turn off the power to the unit before touching it, as there is always danger when moving parts and electricity are involved. For more info on how to get started, click here.
Learn About the Components
Your HVAC system may be different than your neighbor’s, so keep that in mind when you’re looking at the components and figuring out how to keep them clean. If the system is a heat pump, it won’t have a separate furnace. If you don’t have a heat pump, the furnace, evaporator, and blower will be installed inside your home, while the condenser/compressor unit will be found on the exterior.
“A heat pump works like a regular air-conditioner in the summer, then essentially works in reverse in the winter, serving both cooling and heating purposes,” says Dave Moody of Service Experts.
Keep Your Filters Clean
Most homes have an area with a large vent that holds a filter for the HVAC system. This filter keeps dust, lint, dirt, pet hair, and other debris from going through the air ducts and getting redistributed throughout the house, leaving you with cleaner air. Keeping the filter clean — and replacing it with a new one about every month in the summer and winter — will ensure that your system works to the best of its ability.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Free of Debris
You’ll want to make sure that your outdoor unit (if you have one) is away from trees, tall grasses or weeds, and other potential hazards that could cause a problem. If there are wild animals in your area, protect the unit with some fencing, and let your children know to stay away from it when they’re outside playing — both for their safety and the integrity of the unit.
Keeping your HVAC system in good shape will ensure that you’re not put in a tough situation when you need your heating or air conditioning the most, and it will also save you quite a bit of money throughout the year. Keep safety in mind at all times, and remember to call in a professional if there are issues with wiring.
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