HVAC equipment requires proper upkeep and maintenance. Hence if the maintenance is not a priority, that means more chances of emergency expenses, problems arising, ruining plans made weeks ago, or, in the worst-case scenario requiring the complete replacement of the HVAC system before its time. Furthermore, as the efficiency of these systems decreases, the electricity bill increases as there is increased energy consumption by the equipment to do its job. None of these situations should happen when the main goal in HVAC installation is comfort. So how should you go about upkeeping your equipment? The following list gives a general overview of the steps to incorporate to keep your HVAC equipment at its highest efficiency.
A professional regular maintenance checkup
There should be at least two maintenance check ups annually by professionals. Of course, the number of checkups required can vary depending on factors such as your location, size of the system, the brand, its current condition, usage, and age. Since certain factors may require more maintenance checks, it is best to ask technicians the optimum number. These checkups guarantee lower repair and energy bills in the long run. It also ensures the safety of all residents and visitors since a malfunctioning HVAC can lead to catastrophes. Preventative measures are always the ideal solution instead of dealing with the aftermath of issues. Plus, it increases the lifespan of your equipment. Another benefit for your wallet in the long term. Last but not least it provides the area with the best air quality.
Filter changing
The filters could potentially be one of the most overlooked parts of maintenance. It should not be the case! Filters need to be changed either every month or every other month. If it is a reusable filter, clean it often. If it is not, then have it replaced. The efficiency becomes extremely low when a dirty filter is not immediately taken care of. It racks up the energy bill costing far more than a replacement filter will. The upkeep of the filters has also proven to result in fewer repairs needed over time, hence more than enough reason to make one change the filters more often in their HVAC systems.
Unit kept level
The unit should always be on level ground at all times, as it affects its function. One of the most important things to do is make sure it is never tilted. It is best to have a set date every two or three months to inspect the unit, especially if it is on top of pads or even the ground. A job that hardly takes a few moments. That can save you from any problems as you can catch the tilting early before it blows up into a huge issue.
Inspect for wear and tear
As with all equipment, overtime wear and tear is inevitable. It is the main reason for having set times to check the equipment thoroughly for signs of either. So the equipment can either be fixed or replaced. Worn-out equipment is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. Spotting it before it brings down the efficiency of the HVAC system will save you from a bigger headache. Also, check all the ducts for leaks too while keeping tabs on any peculiar odors or noises.
Monitor carbon monoxide detectors
Safety is a huge priority. The carbon monoxide detectors should be checked as often as the smoke alarms or even more so to make sure they are working. Carbon monoxide poisoning is fatal, although it is unlikely to happen. Still, it is better to stay on top of things by replacing their battery regularly. During the annual professional maintenance check-up, ask the technicians to double-check everything is running smoothly.
Regular cleanup
If the unit is outdoors, it is a good idea to seasonally clean. Usually, there could be a large built up of all kinds of debris around it. As a further precaution, the immediate area around the unit should also be spotless. There should not even be any built up of dust around. Thus the HVAC equipment can run at its maximum capacity at no cost. Comparatively, it limits the amount of hard work required if you only clean after prolonged periods. There should also be an annual preventative cleanup of the drain pipes of the equipment to stop mold, algae and eliminate clogs.