5 Ways to Keep Your HVAC Unit Running Well
1.Replace Your Filters
The easiest way to keep your HVAC unit running well is to change the air filters regularly. All of the air that flows through your home goes through these filters, and allergens, irritants, and other floating debris are filtered out. However, as these particles are trapped in the filter, they make it harder for air to flow through. Your HVAC unit has to work harder to push air through, and the dirty filter does a poor job at removing irritants. Replacing the filter is really easy, most of them just slide in and out of position. To make it even easier, you can sign up to have filters delivered to your home automatically. That way you don’t have to remember the size of the filter you need, or when it needs to be replaced. The filter arrives in the mail, and you know it’s time to change it. Most filters should be changed at least every 90 days, but the packaging will tell you when to change it. You should also change filters more frequently if your home is prone to more irritants, such as cigarette smoke or pet hair, or if someone in the home has breathing issues, like asthma or allergies.
2.Have Air Ducts and Vents Cleaned
Air ducts and vents need to be cleaned regularly. Just like air filters, they can become clogged with debris and this makes the HVAC unit work harder to force air through. The harder the unit has to work, the shorter its lifespan will be. To keep your HVAC unit running well, schedule routine cleaning. Although you could do it yourself, it is a time consuming job that requires knowledge of how the unit works and access to the ducts and vents. We recommend scheduling with a professional to have your ducts and vents cleaned about every 3 years.
3. Check Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of your HVAC is supposed to release the hot air outside, so that your home stays cool during the summer months. In order for it to do that, your outdoor unit needs to have clear space to push the hot air out. The outdoor unit generally tends to attract leaves, trash, and other debris. This builds up around the outside of the unit, and makes it hard for the air to flow freely, in turn making the HVAC unit work harder to move air. The more efficiently air can flow through the entire unit, the longer lifespan an HVAC unit will have. You can check your outdoor unit frequently – add it to part of your grass cutting routine, or to your teenager’s chore list. We would also recommend providing shade for your unit if there isn’t any available. With all the hot air blowing out of the outdoor unit, providing shade might seem silly because it’s already so hot. However, even lowering the temperature a few degrees can make a big difference and keep your HVAC unit running well. You definitely don’t want your outdoor unit to overheat and go kaput in the middle of a heat wave, but you also don’t want your unit to work harder than it has to. Shades made specifically for HVAC units are available, or you could create your own. Ask an HVAC specialist about the best placement for the shade – to provide the most shade, while still allowing for proper air flow.
4. Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat can also help to keep your HVAC unit running well. By programming it to your routine, it can adjust the temperature a few degrees when you are not home, allowing the unit to work a little less. If you switch to a smart thermostat, which can be controlled remotely, and can make adjustments by itself, you can save money on your heating and cooling bills and extend the life of your HVAC unit. Check out all the benefits of a smart thermostat here.
5. Annual Maintenance
Scheduling maintenance for your HVAC is key to the health and longevity of the unit. Trained professionals can help keep your unit running efficiently and point out any problems before they become big issues. You should have a tune up run on your HVAC at least once a year, but it is even better to have someone come out twice a year. Schedule an appointment in the spring, before you plan to run your air conditioning, and another in the fall, just before you turn the heat on. Prevention is the most important step you can take in maintaining your HVAC unit. Even if you constantly check things yourself, you could easily still miss something. It may cost a bit to use a professional, but you will save that money in the long run by extending the life of your HVAC unit for many more years.
Here at Weather Crafters, we are here to help. Give us a call today to schedule maintenance, ask questions about how to operate your smart thermostat, or how to help your HVAC unit run more efficiently.
For more information on how to keep your HVAC unit running well, check out https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/10-easy-steps-to-keep-your-air-conditioning-unit-running-smoothl
