HVAC repair can be expensive, and if you don’t know how to take care of your system, you could increase your risk of needing it sooner rather than later. However, by taking steps to maintain your HVAC system, you can help keep it in good condition for a longer period. To make this simple, here are four things that you can start doing to help your HVAC live a long and efficient life.
1. Change the Filter
You’ve probably heard about the importance of changing your filter regularly, although it is much more important than you may think. Changing your dirty filter is one of the simplest ways to maintain your HVAC system, improve efficiency, and reduce energy costs. Reducing energy costs can be particularly helpful, as the average home spends around $2,000 yearly on energy, with half of that going towards heating and cooling.
Make sure to check your filter monthly to make sure that it isn’t dirty or clogged. On average, filters should be changed every three months, but you may need to replace yours sooner, especially if you have pets.
2. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear
Your outdoor unit goes through a lot throughout the year, and vegetation can grow around it during the summer, making it harder for the exhaust to function effectively. In some cases, branches and leaves can even get inside the unit and make it hard for the fans to function properly.
During the summer, try to keep your outdoor unit clear of debris, weeds, and leaves. It won’t take too much time to do, and it could save you a lot of headaches and help you avoid an HVAC repair in the future.
3. Clean the Drain Lines
Air conditioners take moisture out of the air in addition to cooling your home. However, the moisture that it removes accumulates in the drain line before being drained to the outside. Over time, these drain lines can become filled with dust and dirt, sometimes to the point of becoming clogged.
At least once a year, you should clean your drain line by wiping it with a clean cloth and rinsing it with a diluted mixture of vinegar and water. This will help remove any mold that may have started to grow in the line.
4. Schedule Regular Professional Check-Ups
Lastly, one of the best ways to avoid a costly HVAC repair is to make sure to have regular check-ups from an HVAC technician. A professional can make sure that everything is working correctly, and they can even clean your coils and drain lines if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself. A professional check-up only needs to be done once a year, and it is one of the best things that you can do to ensure that your HVAC system won’t break down when you need it most.
If you want to get the most out of your HVAC system, keep these four tips in mind so that you can keep it running efficiently. Plus, you can avoid a costly HVAC repair in the near future.
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