HVAC Maintenance Tips That Will Help Prevent Costly Repairs
No matter how sturdy or expensive your HVAC system is, it will encounter problems at some point due to wear and tear or some external factors. After all, an HVAC is a machine, and machines break down eventually.
However, there are some things you can do to at least delay breakdowns, which could be costly to repair, especially if it’s the compressor, the motor blower, or any other important part that’s having problems.
Here are some tips that will help keep your HVAC system in good shape and help you avoid costly repairs in the process.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Your HVAC system’s air filter traps dust, dirt, mold, and other contaminants.
Over time, the air filter becomes caked with dust and debris. If you continue running your HVAC system with a dirty air filter, airflow won’t be optimal. Poor airflow forces your HVAC system to work harder, and all that effort will likely cause it to break down in the not-so-distant future.
You can spare your HVAC unit from all that stress by changing your air filter regularly. You can clean the air filter, or you can replace it with a fresh one.
Ideally, air filters need to be changed every 90 days, but doing it every 45 days would be necessary if you’ve got plenty of pets or if anyone in the household suffers asthma attacks or allergies from time to time.
Clean The Outside Unit
The outside unit of your HVAC system is exposed to the elements.
Aside from the usual dust and dirt, tree leaves, twigs, and all sorts of debris could collect around or even inside your outside unit.
An outside unit covered by dirt and debris is a problem because they cause not just poor airflow but also faulty heat release. A dirty outside unit covered by debris will likely overheat and break down, requiring costly repairs.
Always keep the outside unit clean and free of obstructions. You can clean the condenser fins using a vacuum cleaner. You can also hose the outside unit down if you know how. If there are any plants around it, relocate them so nothing would impede airflow.
Don’t Ignore Unusual HVAC Noises
HVAC systems are typically loud while running, but they don’t just produce all sorts of sounds if it’s perfectly fine.
If your HVAC unit rattles, grinds, buzzes, or makes any odd sound while in operation, there could be a problem somewhere, and that problem could get worse and lead to costly repairs if you ignore it. Call a trusted HVAC professional right away and have your system checked out.
Have A Nose For Strange Smells Coming Out Of Vents
Usually, the cooled or heated air produced by our HVAC unit doesn’t smell like anything.
So if your nose picks up odors like rotten eggs, rotting garbage, or something burning, there is something odd going on with your HVAC system.
The smell of rotten eggs could be a gas leak. Dead animals with your ductwork could be causing that smell of rotting garbage. And if you smell something burning, your HVAC unit may have a wiring problem or a component overheating.
As with weird sounds, unusual smells should alarm you enough to have a professional HVAC technician check it out.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
Nothing assures the prevention of costly repairs better than regular HVAC maintenance by professional technicians.
The benefits of professional HVAC maintenance include:
- Efficient operation leading to lower energy bills
- Longer HVAC system lifespan
- Better indoor air quality
- Fewer breakdowns, fewer costly repairs
- Peace of mind, knowing your HVAC system will function well for a long time
Since your HVAC system will need regular maintenance for years, you can opt to enter into a comprehensive AC maintenance plan agreement with an HVAC contractor you can trust.
With such a plan in place, you can rest assured that your HVAC system won’t miss a single maintenance date. Preventive HVAC maintenance includes the basic things like changing air filters and cleaning the outside unit, as well as:
- Checking refrigerant charge levels
- Inspecting system controls
- Gauging system airflow
- Checking for possible refrigerant leaks
- Cleaning the blower
- Evaluate starting and heating/cooling cycles
- Checking condensate lines and cleaning them
- Checking for leaks and obstructions in your duct system
- Inspecting electrical connections and components
- Applying lubricant on motors
- Tightening fan, belts, and bearings
It’s true that HVAC systems will eventually break down and require repairs due to age and other factors. Still, regular maintenance will save you money in the long run since repairs on well-maintained HVAC systems will be few and far between.
About the author
Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
