By: Ray Flynn of diyguys.net
Maintaining your home’s HVAC system can be overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with the parts and how they work together, but it’s important for homeowners to understand how they can keep things running smoothly. Not only can it save you money — both in repair costs and over time — but it can also prevent damage to your home and keep you cool when summer shows up a month sooner than usual. When you’re not expecting searing heat, it can be more than just an inconvenience to have your system go out; it can be detrimental to your health or to the well-being of your loved ones, especially seniors and infants.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep things running well and prevent costly repairs and upkeep. The first thing you should do is get familiar with the parts of your system and find out what type it is; for instance, some HVAC systems have both an outdoor unit and indoor parts, whereas others don’t. Get familiar with where the power supply is and how to turn it off and on; this will be necessary if you want to make DIY repairs on the unit.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to keep your HVAC system running smoothly so you won’t have to sweat it out this summer.
Change the Filter Regularly
The filter of your HVAC unit has a big job to perform, and when it gets dirty or clogged, it can’t do that job properly. Not only does this lessen the functionality of your unit, but it also runs up your utility bill as the system tries harder and harder to keep up. Changing the filter regularly is absolutely necessary for optimal performance, and the good news is that it’s not a huge expense. Head to your local home repair store and pick out a few filters in the size you need; this way, you’ll have backups and will be able to replace them right away during the hottest months.
Learn How to Troubleshoot
Often, an issue with your HVAC system is something simple that can be handled quickly without the help of a pro, so it’s important to learn how to troubleshoot the problem and figure out the best way to approach it. For instance, a frozen coil can lead to the unit running without blowing cool air, and this is often due to a dirty filter. Changing it out is a quick fix, but if you try that and it doesn’t work, you may need to seek the help of a professional.
Keep Your Yard Well-Groomed
Many homeowners cut the grass and pull weeds around the house, but they often neglect the HVAC unit, and having vegetation growing that close to it can lead to serious problems. Keep the grass cut short — using a mower with a bag attachment to keep loose grass from flying into the unit — and make sure there are no weeds or debris close to it. You can use a fence or hedge to protect the unit and hide it from view at the same time; many homeowners choose this route because it’s just more aesthetically pleasing.
Understanding Your HVAC System
Doing some research on your system — specifically, which type you own and how it works — will help you better understand how to approach a possible repair when the time comes. Read up on the unit you have and make sure you understand all the safety precautions, including how to turn off the power supply before touching it. Otherwise, serious injury or death may occur.
Maintaining your HVAC system shouldn’t be stressful, and it doesn’t have to be. With a little research and some responsible action, you can ensure that your home — and your family — will be prepared when summer rolls around and brings sweltering heat with it.