HVAC Maintenance for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started with DIY HVAC Maintenance

hvac maintenance

HVAC Maintenance for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started with DIY HVAC Maintenance

Regular, proper HVAC maintenance can reduce energy costs by 5 to 40%. Even so, many homeowners and property owners neglect routine maintenance checks.

Don’t neglect your HVAC unit! Instead, discover everything you need to know about HVAC system maintenance for beginners. With this guide in hand, you can complete a routine HVAC check on your own. 

You’ll also learn when you need to call in the professionals. Otherwise, an improperly functioning HVAC unit could cause your energy costs to skyrocket.

Save time and live comfortably with this HVAC maintenance guide! 

Why Routine Maintenance Matters

Many people neglect routine maintenance checks because they believe their unit is functioning properly. However, it’s sometimes difficult to realize there’s a problem until you check on the unit. 

Regular maintenance checks can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

For example, regular HVAC maintenance can prolong your unit’s life to over 15 years. Neglecting even small problems, however, can cause your unit to work double-time. Your energy bill will start to increase as a result. 

When your HVAC unit has to work harder to function, it might break. Instead, it’s important to catch minor problems before they become major, costly concerns. By checking your unit throughout the year, you can catch these problems before they break your unit.

That way, you won’t have to pay for a brand new HVAC system.

What happens if your unit breaks down during the winter or summer months? You might have to wait until an HVAC technician is available. That means waiting out in extremely cold or sweltering hot weather until you can get help.

By scheduling routine maintenance in the fall and spring, you can avoid emergency situations. The next time you have guests over for the holidays or a summer party, you won’t have to worry about adding an HVAC check to your to-do list, either.

Instead, you’ll have peace of mind that everything’s taken care of and functioning properly.

Signs There’s a Problem

Try to schedule your routine heating and air conditioning maintenance during the fall and spring. Otherwise, keep an eye out for these signs that you have a problem with your unit:

  • The unit turns itself on and off throughout the day
  • You hear rattling or another strange noise from the unit
  • Your energy bills have increased unexpectedly
  • It’s warmer in some rooms and colder than others
  • There’s poor airflow
  • The unit is only blowing warm air out

Completing routine HVAC maintenance will ensure your unit is functioning properly throughout the year. Checking your unit yourself will help you know when it’s time to call a technician or make repairs yourself. Otherwise, you might leave these problems unattended too long.

The longer you wait to make the proper repairs, the more likely a huge problem will arise.

Essential HVAC Maintenance

There are a few essential HVAC system maintenance tasks a technician will complete during their visit. Completing these tasks every six months will keep your unit functioning properly. As a result, you can minimize energy costs and reduce the risk of your unit breaking. 

1. Switch out Filters

The first step for proper HVAC system maintenance is to replace your filters.

Throughout the year, airborne pollutants like dust, dander, and pollen collect against your filters. If you have pets, they’re more likely to get dirty within a shorter period of time. When air can’t flow through your filers properly, your unit will need to work double-time to push air through.

As a result, your unit’s lifespan might decrease. This issue could also cause damage to the unit. Your energy use will increase, too.

Breathing in these pollutants can also cause harm, especially if someone is prone to allergies. 

Are you noticing a lot of dust in the air? Make sure to check your filters. If they look dirty, you can replace them on your own. 

An HVAC technician can also clean your air vents to improve airflow. Cleaning the filters and vents will improve energy efficiency and keep the air clear of pollutants. As a result, everyone can breathe easy and enjoy the clean air!

2. Keep Away Debris

It’s important to check the outside unit as well. Over time, debris can collect around the unit, which could impact airflow. Check for twigs, grass blades, and leaves. 

If you plan on cleaning the unit, make sure to shut it off first. Otherwise, let an HVAC professional handle it. 

3. Clean the Coils

Your HVAC unit’s coils keep the unit running efficiently and effectively. As long as they’re clean, the coils can ensure proper airflow. Dirty coils, on the other hand, can cause cooling efficiency to drop.

An HVAC professional can clean away any dirt that’s clinging to your coils. As a result, they can improve circulation and avoid damage to the unit. 

4. Improve Airflow

Your unit’s vents and registers are responsible for maintaining proper airflow throughout your property. When they become clogged or dirty, however, your unit has to work twice as hard.

An HVAC professional can clean the air-conditioner condensate drain using water and bleach. This solution will keep mold and algae at bay to improve efficiency. 

5. Use a Smart Thermostat

You might want to speak with an HVAC professional about installing a programmable thermostat. A smart thermostat will adjust your property’s temperature when you leave, improving your property’s energy efficiency. As a result, you’re saving money and worrying about one less task.

When used correctly, your programmable thermostat could save you around $180 in energy costs annually.

6. Replace Older Units

Sometimes, it’s inevitable and you have to replace your old HVAC unit. An HVAC professional can examine your current system and let you know if it’s a lost cause. If it is, they can help you find an energy-efficient replacement.

Keeping up with the HVAC maintenance tips above can help you prolong your unit’s life, allowing you to avoid a costly new unit.

Understanding HVAC Maintenace: Everything You Need to Clear the Air

Understanding HVAC maintenance is essential to improving airflow, keeping the air clean, and cutting energy costs. With these HVAC maintenance tips, you have everything you need to keep your unit running efficiently. Don’t forget to call an expert if you need help!

Think there’s a problem with your unit? Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

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