How to Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is one of the most hardworking appliances in your home. It keeps your home comfortable throughout the year. You cannot install your HVAC system and forget about it. To get the most out of your HVAC system, give it some TLC.

Here are some ways to take care of your HVAC system.

Check and Replace Filters Periodically

HVAC system filters are one of the most critical yet neglected parts of HVAC systems. They remove airborne contaminants such as dander, pollen, mold spores, dirt, and dust.

Over time, filters get clogged with these contaminants and can cause a number of issues. They cannot trap contaminants and impede HVAC system airflow, forcing your system to work harder. If you do not move swiftly to address the problem, your energy bill will skyrocket. Clogged filters will put a lot of undue stress on your fan motor.

To prevent problems, replace filters regularly. HVAC companies recommend replacing filters every 30 – 90 days.

Maintain the External Unit

Trim plants, shrubs, hedges, and trees near your external unit regularly. Using a garden hose, clean the fins. Spray the evaporator coil with a commercially available no-rinse cleaner. Make sure the external unit sits level.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of regular maintenance. Do not miss maintenance even if you do not notice anything unusual. Remember, some HVAC system problems can go undetected for days, even weeks. Only an experienced, detail-oriented HVAC system technician can detect and address these problems.

What Happens During a Professional Tune-Up?

During a maintenance session, your contractor will

• Replace air filters
• Check the calibration of the thermostat
• Inspect the blower motor to make sure it is working properly
• Inspect ducts for dust, debris, and mold
• Lubricate moving parts
• Replace frayed pulleys and belts
• Check for gas leaks (if you have a gas furnace)
• Inspect the fan motor to make sure it is working correctly
• Clean the outdoor unit and remove dirt, dust, and debris around it
• Check the refrigerant charge and look for leaks

Use a Programmable Thermostat

If you are still using a manual thermostat, it makes sense to switch to a programmable one. Programmable thermostats are smarter, and more advanced than non-programmable thermostats.

A programmable thermostat will not just help you cut your energy bill but will also reduce stress on your HVAC system by decreasing the amount of time it runs needlessly.

John Owens Services, Inc. is one of the best HVAC companies in Sonoma County committed to helping families get the most out of their HVAC systems. Once we develop a better understanding of your pain points, our team will create a customized maintenance plan to fit your unique needs. To get a quote, call 707-207-8592.