HVAC System Maintenance
Owning a home comes with the responsibility of maintaining it. If you don’t do regular HVAC system maintenance, the unit will be prone to failure. It is costly to replace the air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump. HVAC problems can be prevented with a maintenance schedule. Continue reading to learn a few of the most essential tips for maintaining your HVAC system.
Common HVAC Problems
Some HVAC issues happen more frequently than others. Three of the most common problems to look out for are:
- Corrosion caused by the wires of the system being exposed to moisture. This problem will typically cause your heating or cooling system to turn off on its own. It will also force the system to work harder, lowering efficiency and leading to one or more of the system’s components needing a replacement earlier than usual.
- Leaks that develop in the HVAC’s connector and drain lines. Like corrosion, leaks force the system to work harder than normal. The most common leaks tend to occur in refrigerant lines and the AC condensate line and heat exchanger.
- Dirt and debris can build up in the components of the HVAC system. This can cause the system to run inefficiently. Dirty air filters cause allergens and dust to be circulated into your home, reducing the quality of air inside.
Schedule HVAC System Maintenance
To keep the HVAC system running smoothly and to avoid the problems listed above, follow these maintenance tips.
- Always keep the area around the components of the system free of debris with at least two feet of clear space around the exterior HVAC unit.
- Use high-efficiency air filters in the system.
- Once a month, check the conditioner refrigerant lines for leaks. These two copper lines connect the outdoor air conditioner to the indoor evaporator coil of the HVAC system.
- Shut off water to the furnace humidifier when summer arrives. Replace the humidifier filter and turn the water back on in the fall.
- Replace the HVAC filter every 30 – 90 days.
- Once a year, lubricate the motor to the HVAC and replace the fan belt if necessary. Clean the AC condensation drain line with bleach. Examine the outdoor unit and make sure it’s standing on level ground.
While you’re doing this maintenance, it’s a good time to replace the batteries in all the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home. Some HVAC system maintenance is best left to a professional technician, especially if you have an older system. There are problems and issues that may not be apparent to you, even with a regular maintenance checklist. For this reason, it’s recommended to hire a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system at least once a year. If you follow the tips above, regular HVAC maintenance should be simple and stress-free. Realistic Home Inspection Services provides inspections to homebuyers and sellers in the greater Milwaukee area. Contact us to request our services.