As temperatures heat up outside, now is the perfect time to ensure your HVAC system is ready to keep your home nice and cool inside. Having a professional technician inspect your system twice a year is important to keep things working smoothly and to avoid costly emergency repairs. But between those professional tune-ups there are other ways you can help your system run efficiently year-round. In this blog we provide you with a simple do-it-yourself inspection checklist that will help extend the life of your furnace and air conditioning system with minimal cost.
1. Your Filters
Your HVAC filters are an important item to have on your HVAC inspection checklist. Your filters help trap debris from entering your HVAC system and if they are not changed regularly this can harm your indoor air quality and your HVAC system’s performance. Dirty filters are often the most common cause of poor system performance, so be sure to take some time every few months to check your HVAC filters for excessive build up and replace them when needed.
Whenever you are installing a fresh filter, make sure you are installing it in the correct direction. Most filters should have an arrow indicating the direction of air flow, so when placing a HVAC filter make sure the arrow is pointing toward the unit and pointing away if placed in front of a return air duct.
2. Your Ductwork
If you have ductwork, making sure it is clean and well-sealed is essential to maintaining quality air flow throughout your home.
Twice a year you should inspect the vents of your ductwork for debris build up and vacuum vents when needed. We also recommend having your ductwork cleaned by a professional once every five years to clear the parts of your ductwork that normal appliances can’t reach.
You should also inspect your ductwork for leaks by feeling for escaping air at weak points, such as joints, seams, and connection points. To mend areas with leaks, make sure to use metal foil tape or sealant that is made specifically for sealing ductwork.
3. Your Outside Condenser Unit
The last part of your AC system that you should regularly inspect is your outside condenser unit, as it is constantly exposed to the outside elements. We recommend inspecting your outdoor unit once a year, in the spring. Clear the area around the unit from any debris such as leaves, then check for any visible damage.
If the fan blades inside your condenser unit look like they have dirt or sediment build up, you can use a standard garden hose to rinse the fins from the inside of the unit and wash away the debris. Just make sure not to use a pressure washer as this will damage the fins.
When To Rely on The Professionals
Staying on top of HVAC upkeep can make a world of difference on your system’s performance, but the majority of HVAC maintenance is still best left to the professionals to ensure thoroughness and safety.
With Tudi, we make maintaining your HVAC system easy with our Home Comfort Plan. Our Home Comfort Plan provides you with HVAC tune-ups twice a year, priority on emergency services, and numerous discounts on HVAC, plumbing and electrical work. So, get in touch with our team of experts today and discover the ways that we can help you keep your home in peak condition.