You don’t have to be a qualified HVAC professional before you can care for your HVAC system. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning equipment is functioning optimally. Doing this will ensure that the possibility of having to call a professional to repair the unit is reduced. Furthermore, you get to lengthen the equipment’s life.
With the following tips, you can adequately care for your HVAC if you live in Carpentersville, Illinois:
1. Change the Filters
The job of the filters is to keep the system clean. They do this by removing large particles of dirt from the air within your home. Hence, regular changing of filters will ensure that the air within your home is clean.
It is recommended that you change the filters at once every month, or at the highest; once in three months. If you own pets such as cats or dogs that live in your house or it’s the allergy period, then you need to replace the filter a bit more often.
Ensure that the filter you pick to replace the old ones has a MERV 7 to 11 rating. Choosing one with a lesser rating will cause a reduction in the system’s airflow. This, in turn, will cause the system to be strained thereby lowering its overall efficiency.
2. Clean the Condensing Unit
The condensing unit or heat pump is usually located outside your home and it has a fan. This fan is found on the top of the unit and is responsible for dispersing the heat sucked out of your home. The condensing unit has metal fins that often get blocked with dirt, grime, and pollen.
To ensure that the condensing unit continues to function properly, clean it using a water hose. Avoid using a pressure washer as it can lead to permanent damage to the unit. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNzrZaQzJO0 to watch how to clean the condensing unit.
3. Inspect the Drain Pipe and Pan of the Evaporator Coil
If you don’t know the location of the drain pipe and pan on your HVAC, you can contact your user manual to find out. You can also ask a technician to show you.
When you locate the pipe and the pan, inspect them carefully. Look out for all kinds of blockage that might have accumulated there. Most times, mold and algae are the usual culprits for blockage.
Once you discover any blockage, use a vacuum (wet-dry one) to unclog the pipe. Using bleach can also help.
A blocked drain pipe can be easily discovered even without inspection when water pours through the ceiling. This water leakage can be prevented as well if the home is installed with a float switch.
4. Inspect and Clear the Area around the Outdoor Unit
Do a quick inspection of the area around the outdoor unit. If there is any overgrown vegetation or accumulation of dirt, make sure they are cleared. This will ensure that the airflow of the unit is not interrupted in any way.
Furthermore, bushes and trees around the unit must be trimmed. Ensure that the unit has at least 2 feet of space all around.
If there is any tree that produces too much pollen, it is recommended you monitor them closes or cut them off completely. Such trees are known for blocking the airflow of condensing units.
5. Allow a Professional Perform a Regular Routine Maintenance
While you can do the above yourself, full-scale maintenance can only be done by a trained and licensed HVAC professional. This type of maintenance is done just two times a year. It is necessary as it serves as a preventive measure against damages that could lead to more expensive repairs.
The HVAC professional will carry out certain checks which include:
- Flushing the evaporator’s coils
- Inspecting the unit’s drain pan and the drainage system
- Checking the unit’s voltage
- Inspecting refrigerant levels
- Assessing furnace operation
- Inspecting the voltage on loose wires and motors
Hence, you can see that they aren’t something one can do without training.
Conclusion
Taking care of your HVAC is not a herculean task as some might think. It just requires diligence in keeping to the maintenance routine and tips shared above.