Maintaining your HVAC system is essential in ensuring a comfortable home or office throughout the year. HVAC systems have a lot of components that work together in an effort to ensure your comfort. Unfortunately, if not regularly maintained, many things can go wrong. If issues aren’t addressed in a timely manner, it can lead to much larger and more expensive issues. Further, regular HVAC maintenance can help to reduce utility costs while also extending the lifespan of your equipment.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most important HVAC maintenance best practices that will help maintain clean air within your living or workspace and allow you to experience a host of other benefits at the same time.

Use Quality HVAC Filters and Replace/Clean Them Regularly

The purpose of an air filter is to eliminate dust and keep it from entering the HVAC system as well as your home. An air filter is also designed to help keep the indoor air clean. Air that circulates through the HVAC system goes through the filter before anything else. Therefore, a clean air filter will help ensure cleaner air.

At the same time, it is important that you are using quality filters. The best HVAC filters are synthetic fiber or pleated. These do cost a little more, but the impact they have on the air in your home is worth it, as they are able to catch much smaller particles than traditional filters.

Make sure that your HVAC filter is replaced or cleaned every 90 days at a minimum. If someone in the home or office has allergies or if a pet lives in the home, it may be necessary to replace/clean the filter more frequently.

Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Each month, it is important to perform a visual inspection of both the evaporator and condenser coils. Evaporative coils are known to attract mold quite easily, and condenser coils are constantly exposed to dust and dirt outside. Therefore, they both need to be cleaned regularly. However, keep in mind that some cleaners can cause damage to the coils, so it is important to speak to a professional regarding the best type of cleaner to use or simply hire an HVAC expert to clean them for you.

Regarding the condenser coils, keep plants, debris, and structures a minimum of two feet away from the outdoor unit. Otherwise, the flow of air can be impacted.

Inspect Belts and Blades

Your HVAC system has numerous belts and blades that need to be in good condition in order to heat, cool, and clean the air effectively. The belts need to be adjusted properly to ensure the longevity of the HVAC equipment.

The fan blades will regularly catch dust and debris, which builds up over time if they are not cleaned regularly. This build-up eventually makes its way into your home, affecting the quality of the indoor air, while also reducing the flow of air and causing the HVAC system to work harder than necessary.

If you notice any weird noise coming from your HVAC equipment, it may be a belt or fan blade. If you’re unable to identify the issue, consult with an HVAC technician, as the belt or fan blade may need to be adjusted or replaced completely.

Moving Forward with HVAC Maintenance

The aforementioned are just a few of the most basic and important HVAC maintenance tips to keep your HVAC system running properly and efficiently while also improving the quality of indoor air. Remember, it is much easier to prevent problems with your HVAC equipment than it is to repair them and run the risk of a total breakdown when you need the heating and cool system the most. If you need help with your specific equipment, refer to your owner’s manual or advice from the manufacturer.

Alternatively, reach out to us at Comfort Systems. We understand the importance of a clean, comfortable home or work environment, and for that reason, we can help you with your HVAC maintenance needs. From creating an HVAC maintenance plan that is tailored to your needs to performing regular inspections and maintenance, Comfort Systems is here to help.

Posted in HVAC system