May 6, 2016
An HVAC system is a lifeline of any Californian home. A properly functioning HVAC system saves you time and money by reducing energy bills, HVAC repairs, and unending service calls. The average lifespan of an HVAC system varies from 12 – 15 years, but with a few preventive fixes now and then, the life can increase by a few years and save you some big bucks.
Don’t you want to take control and make sure that your HVAC system has improved function and a longer life?
Here are 6 easy and trouble-free tips for you to begin with:
- Regular Maintenance – Regular maintenance can optimize the performance of your HVAC system. Whether it is periodic filter change or discharge pipe check; preventive or regular maintenance helps in the smooth running of HVAC system and will add more years to your system. It’s a good idea to schedule it before the beginning of every season.
- Air Circulation – An obstruction-free air circulation helps your HVAC system in working effortlessly. Keeping all the interior doors (even of the less frequented rooms) open is the best way to facilitate proper airflow. Always clear the vents, registers, or grills to help your HVAC system induce conditioned air properly and freely in your home. Make sure you move that piece of furniture or your drapes away from the registers or vents to make your HVAC system’s job easy. Good airflow also lowers the moisture accumulation which consequently reduces the mold and bacterial risk.
- Ducts Cleaning – In the long run, dirt, dust, and debris starts accumulating over time in the duct system making the conditioned air passage a bit tricky. Also, some gaps may develop overtime in the duct system, which will allow the air to escape before it reaches your home. An annual cleaning ritual can very well tackle both of these issues. You can very conveniently use a vacuum cleaner or just a piece of cloth to clean the ducts as well as seal the gaps. It will improve the quality of your home environment and your home's atmosphere.
- Outdoor Unit Cleaning – You might have noticed a component of your HVAC unit in your backyard or garden, which looks like a cube with some coils wrapped around it. That is the condenser unit or coil and is more prone to dirt, dust, debris, leaves, and outdoor factors. A clean condenser has ample airflow around it, which facilitates better heat transfer across the coils and efficient air-cooling indoors. To clean the condenser, simply use a brush or hose off with low pressure.
- Discharge Pipe Inspection – Your HVAC unit has a PVC pipe which leads outdoors and functions as a drainage outlet. Any serious damage to the outlet system can result in an expensive fix. It can be avoided by regularly inspecting the drainage pipe for any blockages or debris. A special watch is needed during the winters to figure out ice or snow deposits. Similar occasional care is needed for the AC drainage tube connected to the floor drain.
- Time Off – Like any other electronic or mechanical system, your HVAC system needs some down time too. You can give it some dam time by switching it off while leaving the house for a longer period or using floor/ceiling fans when the weather is comparatively cooler. Using drapes in the daytime or slightly dialing up the temperature during hot hours, as well as opening the windows to let in the cool evening breeze can all help your HVAC system function properly.
These easy and simple tips can help you save money and time down the road. When you need a service or repair, remember, we are only a phone call away.
