Installing a fresh, clean air filter on a home air conditioner is a crucial preventative maintenance task that can be done by a professional repairman or a do-it-yourself homeowner.

For comfortable living inside throughout the year, your air conditioner and furnace are essential. Do you provide the proper care for your HVAC system? You can take good care of your heating and cooling system in between tune-ups by using these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance techniques, but comprehensive maintenance is best left to the pros.

Replace the Air Filter

Don’t forget to replace your filter when it seems filthy and to inspect it once a month. The amount of time you should spend changing the kind of filter you have. High-end models may last up to a year without losing performance, while basic one-inch filters may need to be replaced every six to eight weeks. This one DIY HVAC maintenance trick alone has the potential to reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.

Clean The Outside Unit Of The Condenser

The condensing unit, one of the parts of a split-system air conditioner, is usually located outdoors on a concrete slab. The device may release hot air from this outside position, but it is also exposed to the weather. Regular removal of accumulated dirt and debris is necessary to maintain an effective heat exchange mechanism. This is how the outside condensing unit should be cleaned:

• Turn the HVAC circuit breaker to the “off” position to cut the unit’s electricity.
• Examine the fins and gently spray them down to get rid of any dirt, cobwebs, grass clippings, and other debris. Use a fin comb to straighten them if they have been flattened in any spots.
• Examine if the concrete slab is level.
• Prune surrounding vegetation until the branches are no closer than 24 inches from the condensing unit.
• Rake away any ground-level debris that may get trapped in the unit. If not, raise the condenser so that it sits upright using shims.

Clear The Coils Of The Indoor Evaporator

This part of the air conditioning system is situated next to the furnace. Before returning the heated air to the living area, warm indoor air is forced over the coils loaded with refrigerant. Even if they are shielded from the outside, evaporator coils may nevertheless accumulate dust and grime. You may try cleaning the coils by yourself if you think you’re competent. If not, you may hire a professional to do this HVAC maintenance work.

• Move the HVAC circuit breaker to the “off” position to cut the unit’s electricity.
• Using a delicate paintbrush, dust the coils inside the evaporator by opening the lid.
• Coil cleaning should be sprayed on the coils and let to trickle into the drain pan below. To finish the cleaning procedure, according to the product’s directions.

To ensure that hot water flows easily, slowly pour hot water into the drain pan. If not, a professional drain cleaner will be required.

Maintain Open Air Registers

Your HVAC system’s air intake and output should be balanced. The system may become unbalanced if an excessive number of vents are blocked or closed. Maintain at least 80% of your supply registers open at all times to avoid this. Next, make sure that no furniture, drapes, or carpets are obstructing any return vents. Dust the grilles using your vacuum’s brush attachment to increase airflow even further.

Thermostat Adjustment

Dress appropriately for the weather and choose a temperature that you find comfortable. In the summer, we advise setting the thermostat to 78 degrees, and in the winter, to 68 degrees.

Then, when you leave your house during the day and go to bed at night, turn the temperature back by seven to ten degrees. Installing a programmable thermostat might help you avoid pain when you get home or wake up. With this affordable update, you can save your electricity expenditures without compromising comfort.

Why Is Expert HVAC Maintenance Required?

You may be wondering whether you still need professional HVAC expert heating and cooling tune-ups after following the above do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance advice. Keep in mind that most of homeowners lack the equipment, expertise, and skills necessary to carry out thorough maintenance.

A thorough check by an expert can ensure that your air conditioner and furnace continue to function properly for many years to come. The following are some advantages of giving yearly HVAC maintenance a priority:

• Overcome malfunctions: Most likely, your HVAC system will break down just when you need it most. Setting yearly maintenance as a top priority is the greatest method to increase dependability and prevent mid-season malfunctions.
• Reduce the cost of repairs: Repairing a malfunctioning air conditioner or furnace may sometimes be expensive. By keeping you out of trouble, preventative maintenance is a predictable, reasonably priced investment that pays for itself.
• Reduce your energy costs: Nobody likes to overspend on air conditioning and heating. A professional can save your energy expenses and help you maintain comfort by cleaning, lubricating, and fine-tuning your HVAC system.
• Increase comfort at home: You should schedule periodic maintenance if some rooms seem stuffy and unpleasant. A tune-up enhances humidity management, temperature regulation, and ventilation.
• Extend the life of your system: ACs and furnaces should last for a minimum of 10 to 15 years, but neglected systems sometimes fail years before they should. Season after season, dependable performance is ensured by routine maintenance.
• Get rid of safety risks: Are you concerned that there could be an electrical issue with your air conditioner? Are you concerned that your gas-fired furnace may be leaking carbon monoxide? With preventive maintenance, you can relax.
• Verify the warranty’s coverage. Annual tune-ups are usually required under manufacturer warranties. Save your maintenance records so you have documentation of the work performed on your HVAC system in case you need to submit a claim.

Speak with Expert HVAC Professionals Today

HVAC performance that is long-lasting, effective, and dependable is achieved via a mix of routine DIY maintenance and yearly expert tune-ups. Make sure to contact a HVAC professional in your area and get much-needed assistance in keeping it up and running.