As the sweltering summer heat sets in, it's critical for homeowners to ensure their HVAC systems are in peak condition. Regular maintenance keeps your home cool and comfortable and also prevents costly repairs and inefficient cooling.
In this blog post, we will discuss simple steps to maintain your HVAC system this summer, ensuring its optimal performance and longevity.
Top Tip: Regular HVAC Maintenance is Essential
Routine HVAC maintenance is key to ensuring optimal performance and longevity. In fact, if there is only one thing you're going to do when it comes to HVAC maintenance, it should be to schedule an annual inspection and service call with our team. This is because a well-maintained system runs more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns during heatwaves.
While you may be able to handle many maintenance tasks, scheduling a professional tune-up at least once a year is beneficial. HVAC specialists have the knowledge and tools to perform a thorough inspection, spot potential issues and keep your system running smoothly. In short, there's nothing better than a pair of professional eyes on your system once a year.
What Does Our HVAC Technician Do During a Routine AC Maintenance Visit?
During a routine AC maintenance visit, our professional HVAC technician conducts a comprehensive inspection and cleans your system. They check all the components, including the condenser and evaporator coils, to ensure they are free of dirt and debris, which could hamper the system's efficiency. The refrigerant levels are also checked and adjusted, if necessary to allow for optimal cooling.
Additionally, the technician will:
- Inspect the thermostat for correct operation
- Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and prevent overheating
- Check the system's electrical connections
- Replace or clean air filters
- Evaluate the system's overall performance
The goal of a maintenance visit is to identify and correct any problems or potential points of weakness in your system and help prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Keep reading for some helpful tips you can do between maintenance visits and how to manage a breakdown if one happens during a heatwave.
Clean and Replace Air Filters
One of the simplest, yet most effective maintenance tasks, is cleaning or replacing your air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. They can also cause a significant reduction in your home's overall air quality.
Aim to clean or replace your filters every three months. If you have pets, suffer from asthma or allergies or live in an area with poor air quality, you may want to replace your filters more often. You can also set a recurring reminder on your calendar app or sign up for an air filter subscription so that replacing your air filters becomes automated and easy.
Clear Debris from the Outdoor AC Unit
Your outdoor AC unit can become clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris, affecting its efficiency. Regularly check your outdoor unit, clear away any debris and trim back any overgrown plants or shrubs. We recommend doing this at the same time you clean your air filters or whenever you perform your regular yard work. This will make it a habit that is easy to remember.
Spotting Signs of AC Trouble
In addition to these quick and easy DIY maintenance tasks, we also encourage you to stay vigilant for signs of AC trouble. Familiarizing yourself with the operation of your HVAC system and getting a sense of how to spot when something is wrong can go a long way in preventing a major problem.
Signs of a cooling issue include:
- Unusual noises
- Uneven cooling
- Thermostat malfunctions
- Short-cycling
- Reduced cooling efficiency
- Increased energy bills
If you notice any of these, it's best to call us to investigate. And, if you suffer a breakdown during a major heatwave, do not hesitate to call for emergency repair. Your home can increase to dangerous temperatures fairly quickly. If you cannot get immediate repair service, consider taking your family and pets elsewhere until your AC system is fixed.
At Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar, we offer comprehensive HVAC maintenance services to keep your system running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule your annual maintenance and ensure a hassle-free summer. Don't wait until it's too late!