If you’re seeking ways to take control of your finances, your heating and cooling system holds the key. Home heating and air conditioning systems consume over half of your household’s energy and can cost a small fortune to replace. Continue reading to discover HVAC maintenance tips that will not only enhance your home’s comfort but also keep your finances in good shape.
By following these HVAC maintenance steps, you’ll not only save money on your monthly energy bills but also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, sparing yourself from costly repairs or replacements.
Why Is HVAC Maintenance Important
An HVAC system, much like a car, requires proper maintenance for longevity. HVAC preventative maintenance offers several benefits:
Lower Utility Bills: Well-maintained HVAC units, combined with proper insulation, reduce heating and cooling costs, resulting in lower utility bills.
Healthy Indoor Air: Regular maintenance enhances air quality, with cleaner filters and coils promoting better respiratory health. Neglected HVAC units can accumulate indoor air pollutants, contributing to health problems.
Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your HVAC unit, ensuring it performs efficiently for years. This helps avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.
HVAC Preventative Maintenance
Firstly, schedule professional HVAC maintenance. Plan for two yearly checkups—one in spring for the air conditioning and another in the fall for the heating system. During these crucial maintenance sessions, experienced HVAC technicians will comprehensively service, inspect, and troubleshoot your system, ensuring peak efficiency and preventing potential breakdowns. The technician will:
- Check Thermostat Calibration and Settings
- Tighten electrical connections to maintain safety and efficiency.
- Apply lubrication to all moving components, keeping them in good working order.
- Regularly inspect and clean the condensate drain line to prevent clogs.
- Verify that all system controls are functioning as intended.
- Clean and adjust the blower components to optimize air circulation.
- Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
- Ensure the refrigerant charge is at the correct level for efficient cooling.
- Examine fuel line connections for safety and proper functioning.
- Inspect Gas Pressure, Burner Combustion, and Heat Exchanger
Change The Filters HVAC Maintenance
Filters remove dust, hair and other particles from the air so that these pollutants are not spread throughout the home. You can improve the air quality inside of your home and use less energy by changing the HVAC filter every 30 days.
Clean filters let more air pass through, allowing the system to heat and cool more efficiently. For most systems, filters with a MERV rating between seven and 13 offer an excellent balance between filtration ability and maximum airflow.
HVAC Maintenance Visual Inspection
Inspect the system monthly when changing the filter to uncover potential problems. Check out the thermostat, inside the unit, outside unit, registers and returns. In addition to that, you should check the following:
- Check the battery status on the thermostat
- Inspect the condensate system to ensure that it is draining properly
- Ensure that the filter access and cabinet door are securely closed
- Make sure the flue system is securely attached and fully intact
- Ensure that all registers and returns are unblocked and open
- Check all registers for signs of mold
- Make sure the outdoor unit is level. Use rot proof shims to level it if necessary
HVAC In Crawl Space
Keeping the area around your indoor HVAC unit clear improves air quality and safety. The more stuff you have sitting around, the more surface area there is to collect dust that will eventually make its way into the vent system.
Clutter also reduces air circulation in the immediate area, which is bad for system efficiency. Plus, clutter can become both a fire hazard and a trip hazard, and make it harder to perform repairs and maintenance.
Outside HVAC Unit
The outside HVAC unit can easily become a collection point for fallen leaves, twigs, grass clippings and other debris. Remove all debris on and around the unit each time you do yard maintenance, and hose it down if dirt begins to accumulate. Keep nearby plants trimmed back at least two feet from all sides of the unit to help maintain proper airflow.
Home Temperature Monitor
HVAC maintainance includes operating it at temperatures that are comfortable and avoiding running it as much while you are away from home or sleeping.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day. If you allow the house to stay cooler in winter and warmer in summer while you are not home, the system will run less frequently, use less power and last longer.
HVAC Replacement
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 and 25 years. Several variables can increase or decrease that timeline, including the type of system, brand, and consistency of hvac maintenance. By caring for your heating and cooling system diligently you will maximize its working life and maintain higher efficiency for a longer period of time.
HVAC System Replacement Cost Factors
HVAC system replacement costs are subject to variation based on specific factors related to your home and location. To determine the total price quote for your replacement HVAC system, your professional air conditioning contractor will evaluate the following key factors:
- Local Climate Conditions: The local climate, including temperature, humidity, and seasonal variations, impacts the type and size of HVAC system required.
- Current Ductwork Conditions: Good condition may reduce expenses, while repairs or modifications can increase costs.
- Home Age and Construction: Older homes may need more modifications for modern HVAC systems, while newer constructions may have HVAC-friendly designs.
- HVAC Unit Features: Factors such as unit size, brand choice, and energy efficiency (SEER rating) influence costs.
- Air Conditioner Brands: The selected brand can affect installation expenses. Established brands may have higher upfront costs.
By considering these factors, your HVAC contractor can provide an accurate and personalized cost estimate for your replacement HVAC system, ensuring it meets your home’s specific needs and budget.
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