Your HVAC is one of the most expensive things you’ll be investing in (aside from the roof!), so you should have a strict maintenance schedule to keep your unit in tip-top shape. This will keep it in service for many years to come, and save you the headache of finding a replacement.
If you’re not sure what needs to be done, you can also hire a home services contractor in Los Angeles to come and help you inspect your system and carry out any repairs where he/she sees fit.
Here are some maintenance tips that you can follow to keep your HVAC operating trouble-free and remain at its peak performance year after year:
Air Filters
Changing your air filters should be done monthly to maintain the air quality inside your home. This includes filters in the central air conditioner, furnace, and heat pump. By replacing a dirty filter, you’ll be saving on energy costs and also prevent your system from getting damaged.
Seasonal HVAC Maintenance
Schedule a seasonal HVAC maintenance service with your Burbank contractor at least two months before the season changes. This way, you can be sure your system will be working optimally in the new season. Keeping your system clean and well maintained can help you save a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills.
Have a Clear Area
Make sure that the areas around your HVAC system are clear. This includes removing debris sitting on the condensing unit and trimming shrubs and plants that have grown near your air conditioning unit. This will give the unit proper airflow and prevent it from being damaged by overheating.
Air Flow
Speaking of airflow, you should also keep the vents and registers free of dust to prevent the air circulation from being blocked. Not everyone has time to keep an eye on how dirty the vents are cleaning, so you can do the cleaning once a year by yourself or by hiring home services from Burbank.
Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Dust, pollen and other particles can settle in the air conditioning unit and get stuck to the condensation inside. In order to keep your system running efficiently, clean the evaporator and condenser coils once or twice a year. A dirty system can increase energy consumption significantly and cause your utility bills to skyrocket over the years if left uncleaned.
If you’re worried about damaging your unit when carrying out this process, you can also use local HVAC services to get it cleaned professionally.
Thermostat Testing
On a warmer day, turn on the air conditioning and set your thermostat to your preferred temperature to see how long it takes for your home to cool down. If it takes longer than usual, you may have a faulty system and will need professional services.
Do this whenever the seasons change so that you can keep an eye on any issues that arise and be able to deal with them as soon as possible — you don’t want a broken air conditioning unit during the hottest time of the year!
Refrigerant Line Check
With the proper amount of refrigerant, your air conditioning unit will work the most efficiently. Too much or too little will increase your energy costs and affect the longevity of the system. To prevent your air conditioning from unnecessary wear-and-tear, contact a professional technician to help check the refrigerant levels and fill them back to the proper levels if needed.
System Check
This is simple. If you haven’t turned on your HVAC in a season, let it run for an hour and observe if there are any strange or loud noises. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, you should turn it off and call for a professional to get your system checked. Catching these problems early can help you prevent any major repairs, or worse, a complete replacement of the system.
Programmable Thermostat
In the same vein, if you do end up having to get a new thermostat, invest in one that is programmable. This can save you a lot of energy (and money) if you schedule temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can set your home to a comfortable temperature for times when everyone is back inside, and have the air conditioning off during the times when no one is home (e.g. during work or school hours)
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Follow this maintenance checklist to keep your HVAC happy and your home comfortable:
- Heating & Cooling systems: Spring and Fall maintenance
- Cooling system: at least once a year, before the cooling season
- Furnace system: at least once a year, before the heating season
To save energy and money on your cooling bills, check that there is proper insulation in your attic. Add a weather strip to doors leading outside to prevent heat from escaping, clean your chimney so that it is safer to use
It is also recommended that you also get pre-season HVAC tune-up services from a trusted contractor before Los Angeles temperatures start changing. This can help you avoid any system failures as well as lower energy bills.
Now that you have these tips and tricks in hand, there is no excuse to neglect your HVAC system — especially when a lot of it can be done when your home service technician is booked in. If you continue to keep your system maintained on a regular schedule, you’ll reap the benefits of saving energy costs and prolonging the life of your HVAC.
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