Your HVAC system is one of most important appliances at home. To serve you well, it must always be in tip-top shape. The system will keep your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. It’s easy to forget about the system when it’s working well, but just imagine it malfunctioning in the middle of a cold night or on a hot summer’s day! That would be pretty uncomfortable, wouldn’t it?
Fortunately, it’s possible to keep your HVAC system in good condition as much as possible by keeping up with proactive maintenance. Here’s what you should be doing:
1 – Replace The Filters
The filter in your HVAC system plays a pivotal role because it keeps the system clean and helps ensure proper airflow indoors. However, these filters are not designed to stay there forever. They must be replaced every one to three months before they begin breaking down and causing problems. Note that you will need to replace your filters more often if you have pets at home.
It is recommended to get filters rated MERV 7-11. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value—it measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and air stream. Higher MERV ratings can trap small particles effectively. MERV 16 or below are HVAC-grade filters for commercial, residential, and hospital use.
2 – Clean The Condensing Unit
Once every season, make sure you spray the outside of your condensing unit with water to clean it. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use a pressure washer to do this; otherwise, it can cause significant damages. It’s important to hose it down once every season because the metal fins on the unit usually accumulate dirt, pollen, and grime, which can compromise your HVAC system’s performance. Cleaning the condensing unit shouldn’t be a problem because it’s easy to do and won’t take so much of your time.
3 – Inspect The Outdoor Unit
Leaves and other debris may build up in your outdoor unit, which can compromise the air flow of your HVAC system. Therefore, take the time to inspect your outdoor unit and ensure that any nearby bushes are trimmed properly. Additionally, there must be a clearance of 2 feet on all sides of the outdoor unit.
4 – Check The Evaporator Coil’s Drain Pipe And Drain Pan
Don’t know where the drainpipe is? No worries. An HVAC professional can show you where the drain pipe is located so you can clean it on your own. Make sure to do regular checks on the drainpipe to ensure there are no debris and mold blockages there. You can use a wet-dry vacuum to clean this, while bleach is also helpful, especially for stubborn dirt and stains.
5 – Invest In Regular Maintenance
Besides maintaining the HVAC system all on your own, you must also have regular professional maintenance to do thorough inspections. With this, minor issues can easily be identified before they turn into bigger problems in the future. Moreover, regular maintenance by a professional will help make your HVAC system last longer. It will also prevent unit breakdowns that can cause discomfort in the household.
A Well-Maintained HVAC System
Keeping your HVAC system running well will require your own efforts as well as that of a professional. Aside from doing the basic maintenance tips we have listed above, invest in regular HVAC maintenance to keep your system working well. All you need is to find a reliable service to provide you with the maintenance you need.
Here at Elite Repairs Corp, we can take care of your HVAC maintenance. We provide high-quality HVAC service in Wayne, NJ. Contact us today.