Hello World! Welcome Friends! The HVAC system is the most complicated and energy-consuming device in a home. Since it is mostly out of sight, most homeowners forget about it until something goes wrong. That’s why you need to have your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system checked every year by a Direct AC professional.
However, you can save costs by doing minor servicing before calling a technician; remember, it will have minimal problems if you maintain it well. Keep these guidelines at your fingertips.
Check the Thermostat
Check the thermostat. If you notice that your AC isn’t working, one of the first things to check is if your thermostat is working properly. It could be that the unit simply isn’t receiving any power, and you might be in for a bigger repair than you think.
Test and change the thermostat batteries. If batteries power your thermostat, those can run out over time. Make sure to check them regularly and replace them when needed—otherwise, your AC might not get the signal to start working.
Change your Filters
A dirty filter is the direct cause of numerous problems, including reduced airflow and performance, leading to the freezing of your AC’s evaporator coil or furnace heat exchanger. This will not only reduce your system’s heating and cooling output, but if the frozen components thaw quickly enough, they can cause water damage to nearby areas.
However, this is a pretty simple problem to fix, just change your filters regularly. A good rule of thumb is once every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use your system, though some filters are designed to last longer.
Make sure you get the correct size filter. Using a filter that is too large or too little might cause air to seep around its edges, defeating the point of having a filter in the first place. If you’re unsure how to identify the correct size and kind of filters for your HVAC system, consult your unit’s owner’s manual or a Direct AC professional.
Check for Frozen Coils
At this point, you may be wondering what the heck a condenser coil is and how to check it. The condenser unit is your outside air conditioner that has a fan inside and coils around it. These coils are your condenser coil, and they can become frozen on very hot days if they’re dirty and not getting enough air circulation due to the surrounding dirt acting as an insulator.
You should check for a dirty or frozen condenser coil each time you encounter this issue with your HVAC system. Suppose your condenser unit isn’t running at all. In that case, there may be an electrical problem that needs professional attention or the power switch to the outdoor unit might have been accidentally turned off. This is the time to call an HVAC repair contractor.
Clear Air Returns of Debris
It’s easy to forget about the air returns in your home’s HVAC system, since they’re often hidden from view. However, keeping them clean and clear of debris is important for maintaining your HVAC system.
If you need to find yours, have a look at a guide on the best places to locate them. You should vacuum and dust these areas regularly, as they can get clogged with pet hair and other debris over time. It’s also important to keep furniture or curtains out of the way so that air can flow freely through the return ducts.
Clothes dryers should be vented directly outside instead of into an air return if possible. To avoid accidentally blocking air intake vents with rugs or toys, make sure you know where your vents are located before installing flooring or redecorating a room.
Clean Condensate Drain Lines
Cleaning your HVAC system’s condensate drain line will help prevent some of the issues that can result in a potentially dangerous situation. Here are some tips on how to do this:
The first step is to identify the drain line, which will be located somewhere outside your home at ground level, and often near the AC unit itself.
Once you’ve identified it, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear out any debris or buildup. For best results, remove the vac’s filter first.
When using your wet/dry vacuum, ensure its water reservoir is empty before beginning suction. Failing to empty this tank could cause it to overflow into your home or on you. A good rule of thumb is to always start with an empty reservoir for any new cleaning task, even if you just emptied it for something else!
In general, clear the drain line every three months or so, or more frequently if your location has recently experienced severe rain or snowfall. If you’re wondering how often it should be cleaned considering the amount of precipitation where you live, ask a Direct AC technician the next time they come out for regular maintenance work on your furnace and air conditioner equipment (which many recommend doing every six months).
Have the HVAC Regularly Checked By a Professional
One of the biggest things that homeowners can do to keep their HVAC running well is to schedule regular maintenance visits from a professional. This is usually recommended every six months, and it will help you avoid many problems with your HVAC systems.
During one of these appointments, your technician should be able to spot any issues before they become major problems. They will also be able to perform important tasks like cleaning the coils and draining the condensation lines.
Bottom Line
The HVAC system is much more complex than a typical unit, and it’s often necessary to have a Direct AC professional handle repairs or maintenance issues. That being said, it’s still a good idea to have at least a basic understanding of how these units work, what could go wrong, and how to troubleshoot the system’s individual components.
With this knowledge, you can add to it should any of your systems need repairs. By equipping yourself with these tips, you will become proactive in preventing major complications before they arise, allowing you to be more prepared for any emergency that may occur.
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