Your Guide to Avoid Costly Repairs with Monthly HVAC Maintenance

Posted on | by Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Your Guide to Avoid Costly Repairs with Monthly HVAC Maintenance

Regular, preventative maintenance on your HVAC system is just as vital as it is for your vehicle. By completing these easy protective measures, you'll be able to ensure that your HVAC system is running to its peak ability, all year long.

Enjoy lower energy bills and a peace of mind by learning exactly how to maintain your HVAC system with the following guide:

Regularly Check, Clean, and Replace the Air Filter

Check your HVAC system's air filter monthly to keep your entire system working efficiently. When you're checking the filter, take note of how much dust and debris has accumulated since the last replacement.

This will let you know whether or not you should upgrade your filter, or if you should consider a simple clean.

The original filter packaging will most likely let you know the recommended time frame in which you should replace the filter, and this ranges typically between one and six months, depending on the brand.

When you're considering how often you should be cleaning or replacing your filter, ask yourself the following questions:ac-filter

  • Are there people with persistent allergies in my home?
  • Does anyone smoke inside the house?
  • Do I have pets that shed a lot?
  • Is the outdoor environment dusty right now? Is it spring or fall?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, your air filter likely needs to be replaced more frequently. This will keep your air cleaner and free of irritants, while increasing the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Complete Outdoor Cleanups

Once a month, if the weather permits, get outside and perform a cleanup of any excess debris around the outdoor HVAC unit.clean-outdoor-ac

This debris and dirt can enter your home through the unit, and decrease how well the system works overall.

Before beginning any outdoor maintenance, ensure the unit is completely turned off to ensure your safety.

Two times per year – once in the spring and once in the fall – complete a more thorough cleanup of the HVAC outdoor space.

Along with sweeping up any leaves or dirt surrounding the unit, open up the sides of the unit and give them a good scrub. This removes any build up that is sticking to the grates or side of the unit.

Have an Annual Tune-Up

On an annual basis, have your HVAC system tuned up by a professional to reduce energy costs and improve your system's lifespan.

tune-upA professional tune-up job will complete the following procedures, and more:

  • Lubricate any moving parts of the system.
  • Tighten all electrical connections.
  • Check the thermostat.
  • Test all system controls.
  • Clean the blower completely.

Annual tune-ups are like a check-up for your HVAC system. The HVAC expert will go in, fix what needs fixing, and make any recommendations on what may require repair soon.

Perform regular maintenance, and gain the cost-effective and comforting benefits that just a little bit of your time provides.