For many homeowners, having an HVAC system in their household is essential in providing comfort by regulating the temperature indoors. As it comes with a substantial price on the onset, prolonging its lifespan would help owners maximize their investment. However, there are times when repairs are needed. Regardless of the kind of repair or service required, most tend to be pricey and may cause inconvenience for the whole household. As such, reducing these instances would be ideal.
Here are some suggestions that could help you extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs at the same time:
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Clean And Replace The Filter Regularly
You can easily clean and replace the air filters of your HVAC unit on your own following the instructions on the unit’s manual. If you have a reusable filter, you can wipe it with a soft cloth to clear the debris first. Then, you can use soap and water to wash it gently.
The air filter needs to be cleaned every month to ensure that it won’t accumulate too much dirt, which could clog the equipment. Replacements should be done every quarter, though you may need to change more frequently if you have many people and pets at home. Keeping the filter clean and in top shape would ensure your unit’s efficiency and would help you manage your energy costs better.
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Keep The Outdoor Unit Clear
Because of their exposure, the outside HVAC unit can quickly accumulate dust and debris from various sources. If you have plants in the area, for instance, leaves and twigs can easily collect around the unit.
To ensure that these particles or items don’t cause your system any damages, you’ll need to regularly clear the surrounding area where it’s placed and ensure that the plants won’t obstruct the exhaust vent. This is one of the simplest and easiest ways to take proper care and maintenance of your HVAC unit as it won’t require professional services and may even help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
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Clean The Vents
Since the air vents absorb dust, dirt, and other particles through constant use, they quickly get dirty, which could affect the air quality in your household. These impurities get circulated indoors, which pollutes the air and may even block the air coming out of the vents. This is why it’s important to keep the air vents clear of any pollutants.
To do this, you’ll need to remove them to dust them off using a vacuum cleaner or a rag and soapy water. This way, you’ll be able to remove any obstructions to the airflow, which could potentially cause damage warranting repairs.
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Eliminate Clutter Around The Units
Apart from cleaning the internal parts of the unit, it’s also important to keep the area around your HVAC unit clean to boost air quality and efficiency. This is because clutter would accumulate dust around your unit, which could be absorbed by the vents while it runs. If you have items around the immediate area, they could also get in the way of air circulation that could cause the unit to work harder to regulate temperature. This scenario isn’t ideal if you want to maximize energy efficiency in your home.
Moreover, clutter can also become a fire or trip hazard and get in the way of repairs and maintenance. This is why it’s important to minimize the items surrounding your HVAC unit.
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Schedule Annual Or Semi-Annual Maintenance Checks
Commonly, HVAC units would require professional cleaning and maintenance every six months or once a year, depending on how frequently they’re used. As such, if you notice an increase in usage after a particularly cold or hot season, it may be best to schedule a checkup as soon as possible. This way, you’ll be able to detect anything that could cause a breakdown and prevent further accumulation of dirt and debris due to extended use.
Having your HVAC professionally serviced includes thorough cleaning and inspection. This would ensure that your unit would retain optimal functionality, which would prevent costly energy bills and expensive repairs.
Conclusion
HVAC is a household essential that’s needed regardless of the weather or temperature. However, due to regular use, an HVAC system can experience constant strain, which may cause the machine to break down. To avoid this scenario, routine maintenance is needed to resolve issues before they get worse. This may save you a significant amount of money that’d otherwise be spent for costly repairs or a complete replacement in extreme cases.
Apart from preventive maintenance, it’s also important to take proper care of your HVAC units through regular cleaning and responsible usage. This way, you’ll be able to prolong its lifespan and maximize your investment in the long run.
