Maintaining your HVAC system is essential for ensuring it runs efficiently and safely. Proper maintenance can help you save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and prolonging the life of your HVAC system. The key components to properly maintaining your HVAC system include regularly changing the filters, scheduling annual maintenance, and ensuring your system is correctly sized for your home. With these simple steps, you can ensure your HVAC system runs at its best.
1. Change the Air Filter Monthly
One of the most important tasks for HVAC maintenance is changing the air filter. The air filter in your HVAC system catches dirt, dust, and other airborne particles and prevents them from entering the system. Over time, the air filter can become clogged with debris, reducing the system’s efficiency and allowing dirt and dust to build up. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, higher energy bills, and strain on the HVAC system.
It should be changed immediately if the air filter is heavily clogged or dirty. To ensure that the air filter is doing its job and keeping your system running efficiently, it should be changed at least once a month. When changing the air filter, it is important to choose the right type. The size and type of air filter will vary depending on your HVAC system, so consult your owner’s manual, or contact a qualified HVAC technician to ensure you are using the right filter.
You should inspect the air filter after it has been replaced to ensure that it is properly installed and functioning. If the filter is not securely in place, air can escape, reducing the efficiency of the system and leading to higher energy costs.
2. Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit Regularly
One way to ensure your system’s efficiency is to regularly clean the outdoor condenser unit. It’s also important to do regular maintenance checks and have the system serviced by a professional. This will help to ensure that your system is in top condition and working efficiently. This is a simple task that can be done in a few steps. First, you’ll need to turn off the power to the unit. This will prevent any danger of electric shock. Once the power is off, remove any debris around the unit, such as leaves and sticks. This will help prevent blockages that could cause your system to work inefficiently.
Next, use a mild detergent mixed with water to clean the outside of the unit. A pressure washer can be used to get the job done quickly. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials because they can damage the unit. Finally, check the fan blades and evaporator coil for any dirt or debris. If any is found, use a soft brush to remove it gently. You can use compressed air to blow away any dust that may have been collected inside the unit.
3. Have the HVAC System Inspected Annually
The best way to protect your HVAC system is to have it inspected annually by a qualified HVAC technician. Regular inspections can reveal problems before they become more serious and costly. An annual HVAC system inspection can help identify potential problems before they cause costly repairs or system failure. The technician can look for signs of wear and tear, such as worn seals, loose wires, and faulty components. They can also check for malfunctioning parts and ensure that all components function correctly.
The technician can inspect the ductwork and ensure it is properly sealed and insulated. This can help to prevent air from leaking out of the ducts, which can increase energy costs. The inspection can also reveal any problems with the refrigerant levels, which can cause the system to run inefficiently.
The technician can check for potential problems that could cause premature failure and make necessary repairs before they become expensive replacements. The technician can also ensure that all the components are properly lubricated and clean, which helps prevent breakdowns and poor performance. They can look for any potential problems causing the system to run inefficiently and make necessary adjustments or repairs. This can help reduce energy costs and make your home more comfortable.
4. Check for Proper Refrigerant Levels
With proper refrigerant levels, your system can heat and cool your home, leading to costly repairs. Regularly checking your refrigerant levels by a professional is important to maintaining your HVAC system and ensuring it runs at its best.
The first step in checking your refrigerant levels is ensuring your system is turned off. You should also ensure that the air filter is clean and that all the vents are open. Next, you will need to locate the refrigerant lines on your system. These can usually be found near the compressor, condenser, and evaporator coils. Once you have located the lines, you can use a refrigerant gauge to measure the pressure.
If there is too high pressure, it could indicate a leak. Loose connections or cracks in the lines can cause leaks. If you notice a leak, it is important to fix it immediately. If the pressure is too low, it could indicate that your system is not getting enough refrigerant to function properly. You may need to add more refrigerant to bring the levels back up. It is crucial to ensure that you only use the exact type of refrigerant recommended for your system.
5. Clean the Indoor Blower Components
The blower is the component of your HVAC system that circulates air throughout your home. It consists of a large motor and a fan that work together to move air. Over time, the blower can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, reducing efficiency. When cleaning your indoor blower components, it’s important to consult a professional and use the right tools and materials. First, turn off the power to the HVAC system. Using a vacuum cleaner or a soft-bristled brush, gently clean the fan blades and the motor housing. Vacuum the gaps between the fan blades and the housing to remove dust or debris.
Next, check the fan belt and pulleys. If they are cracked or worn, they should be replaced. You can also lubricate the motor shaft, belt, and pulleys with a few drops of oil. This will help them move more smoothly and reduce wear and tear on the components. Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe the outside of the blower and its housing. This will help keep it looking clean and help prevent dust from accumulating in the future.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts on the System
The lubricant helps to reduce friction and wear between the parts, allowing them to move smoothly and without any undue stress. Proper lubrication can significantly reduce the amount of energy consumed and extend the life of your system. At Armour Home Comfort in Belleville, ON, you get the best defense against such problems and rising energy costs.
Lubrication is most commonly applied to your HVAC system’s motor, fan, and blower parts. The motor is the power source that turns the fan and blower, and it needs to be kept lubricated to prevent overheating and wear. The fan and blower parts also require lubrication to reduce friction between the blades and the housing. This helps to reduce noise and vibration and prevents the parts from wearing down prematurely.
Most HVAC systems use a light oil-based lubricant, but some use a heavier grease-based lubricant. Check with a technician for your system’s recommended type of lubricant.
Contact Us
At Armour Home Comfort, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the highest quality service. We offer various services, including furnace, air conditioner, repairs, and replacements. Our certified technicians are available to service all makes and models of equipment and can offer expert advice on energy-efficient solutions for your home and business. Contact Armour Home Comfort today for more information.
