HVAC systems keep homes comfortable year-round, save energy, and maintain indoor air quality. But they require regular upkeep to operate efficiently and safely.
Proper maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment reduces utility bills and repairs costs while extending system lifespan. Follow these 10 Essential HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners to improve your energy efficiency and indoor air quality. To learn more, visit https://www.taphvac.com/.
Check the Filter
The air filter keeps dust and other particles from circulating through the HVAC system, reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality. When the filter becomes too dirty, it will need to be cleaned or replaced. A dirty filter also affects performance, causing the blower to run inefficiently and raising energy bills. Changing the filter is one of the most important maintenance tasks homeowners can do.
The best way to know when to replace the filter is by looking at it. A clogged filter will look noticeably dirtier than normal and may be noticeable by a yellow or gray color. A clogged filter will also make the blower work harder, which can shorten its lifespan and reduce performance.
Many systems have a removable filter access door in the return air duct near the furnace or indoor unit. This is often in a utility room, basement, garage or attic. Other systems have a central filter grille installed in the ceiling or walls that swings open, revealing the filters. In either case, the homeowner can remove the filter and clean it or replace it.
In addition to looking at the filter, homeowners should also take note of when it was last replaced. If it has been a long time, the filter should be cleaned or replaced right away. If you sign up for a filter subscription service, you can get fresh filters delivered on an automatic schedule, eliminating the need to remember to do it yourself.
It is a good idea to change the filter at least once every three months. However, it depends on the type of filter used, the environment and how often the system runs. For example, a high-efficiency filter will get dirty faster than an ordinary filter because it captures more microscopic particles that are emitted by the household. If you have pets, the filters will need to be changed more frequently because fur and dander can clog them.
It’s also important to schedule regular professional maintenance for the HVAC system. A trained technician can inspect and clean the components, catching small problems that could become major issues later on. In addition to preventing expensive repairs, it can help prevent carbon monoxide leaks and other safety hazards.
Clean the Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line (also known as the AC drain pipe) is a small but crucial air conditioner component. This PVC pipe removes excess moisture from the evaporator coil and transports it out of the house, preventing water damage to your air conditioning unit and home and stopping mold growth and efficiency loss. However, a clogged drain line is one of the most common HVAC problems homeowners face and can cause serious issues if not addressed quickly.
The dark, damp environment of the condensate drain line is a breeding ground for algae and mold, which can quickly create a thick sludge that clogs the line. This is compounded by high humidity levels, which can produce more condensation and overwhelm the drain line. As a result, clogged drain lines are one of the most common air conditioning repairs that technicians make.
If a clog isn’t cleaned promptly, the condensation can spill out of the drain pan and onto the ground and walls, causing water damage. This can also lead to mold, mildew and unpleasant odors. The best way to prevent clogs is to flush the drain line every few months. This is easy to do by connecting the head of a garden hose to the access point on the drain line and running it high in short bursts.
In addition to flushing the drain line, you should change your air filter regularly and keep it clean to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that enters the system. In addition, you should have an expert HVAC technician inspect and clean your air conditioner as part of a maintenance visit. By taking these steps, you can help your air conditioner last longer and avoid costly clogs and repairs.
Clean the Evaporator Coil
The HVAC system is the unsung hero of your home, keeping you cool during summer and warm in winter. But like any mechanical system, it requires regular care and maintenance to perform optimally. Ignoring this important task can lead to a host of problems, including higher energy bills and unexpected breakdowns. Fortunately, there are many DIY maintenance tasks that can be completed to save money and keep your home comfortable year-round.
A dirty evaporator coil can reduce your system’s cooling efficiency by as much as 10%. This happens when the coil develops a layer of biofilm, which interferes with heat transfer. The problem can be easily resolved with a can of coil cleaner, available at most hardware stores.
First, turn off your AC. You’ll want to start with the breaker panel for safety’s sake, which should contain two switches, one labeled “AC” and the other marked “furnace.”
Next, locate your evaporator coil, typically located in the attic but sometimes in a closet or crawl space. You’ll find it under a cover that’s secured by screws or panels. To access the coils, remove the panel and undo the screws (replace any HVAC tape with fresh tape as needed).
Use a fin brush to straighten out any bent or flattened coil fins. Then, using the coil cleaner, spray the entire surface area of the coils. Be sure to wear gloves as the chemicals in some coil cleaners can be harsh. Wait for the coils to completely dry before replacing the panel and turning back on your HVAC system.
It’s also a good idea to clean your air vents regularly to prevent blockages. Closed vents can throw off the airflow in your home, causing rooms to cool unevenly and forcing your system to work harder. Vacuum your vents regularly, and move furniture away from the supply grates that feed air into each room, as well as the return grate in hallways. Ensure that all of the air vents in your home are open and unobstructed. Keeping them clear allows air to circulate properly and prevents the buildup of dust, pet hair, and other contaminants that can interfere with your system’s performance.
Check the Flame
The furnace flame sensor might seem like a minor component in the big picture of a home heating system, but it’s a vital safety device that prevents gas from building up and posing a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning risk. The flame sensor, a thin metal rod with a porcelain base mounted at the burner, monitors for the presence of a flame and signals the control board to shut off the flow of gas if it’s not detected. We’ve seen countless no-heat calls traced back to a dirty or misaligned flame sensor, so it’s a good idea to check this on a regular basis.
Look for signs of soot or corrosion on the rod, a blackened tip or surface oxidation, or an obvious crack or break in the ceramic insulator. A heavily soot-coated sensor can cause erratic on/off cycling, leading to the heater constantly going on and off which wears down the system and wastes energy. If the flame sensor appears to be healthy and readings with a micro amp meter are normal, a power or continuity test can confirm that the control board is receiving a proper signal from the sensor.
If the flame sensor doesn’t seem to be working properly, a professional should be called to inspect and clean the unit. A thorough cleaning of the unit can also help improve efficiency by reducing dust accumulation in the blower and condensate drain lines, which leads to less strain on those components and better airflow throughout the house.
There are some basic maintenance tasks that most homeowners can perform on their own, including changing the filter regularly to maintain airflow, cleaning the evaporator coil with a brush or vacuum and clearing away leaves and debris from the outdoor unit to allow for proper ventilation. For more complex issues, like refrigerant levels or electrical components, a professional should be called. But with consistent routine maintenance, a homeowner’s HVAC system will continue to work well and avoid costly repairs in the future. A little bit of work now can make the difference between a system that lasts 10-15 years and one that only lasts 5-7 years, or even shorter.