Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your HVAC system in peak operating condition so your home stays comfortable and your energy bills stay reasonable. Although a trained and experienced professional should handle most aspects of HVAC maintenance, there are some basic tasks you can take care of in between yearly scheduled service visits.
DIY Tasks to Tackle Yourself
Replacing the air filter is probably the DIY chore that has the biggest impact on how well your HVAC equipment performs. Ideally, you should inspect the filter once a month and replace it when there is any visible debris accumulation. You should also:
- Switch the thermostat setting at the start of the heating and cooling season, and check that the fan is set on “auto” so it runs in tandem with the HVAC equipment.
- Vacuum or dust all your registers periodically and check that the supply vents are open and that nothing is obstructing airflow into the return registers.
- Clean up yard debris that collects around the outdoor unit.
- Regularly trim back vegetation in a two-foot radius around the condenser.
- Periodically check that condensate is draining properly from the cooling system.
Tasks an HVAC Professional Should Handle
A yearly maintenance visit helps keep your HVAC system running safely and efficiently. It also gives your technician an opportunity to spot any problems early on so you can have them addressed before they develop into costly breakdowns or failures. Here are some of the many tasks a certified technician takes care of:
- Clean and lubricate all moving parts, such as the fan motors.
- Verify correct voltage and current on the motors and tighten all the electrical connections.
- Check the condensate drain system and flush out any accumulated debris so the water can drain freely.
- Test the thermostat and key controls to make sure the system starts, operates and shuts down as expected.
- Measure the refrigerant level to ensure it’s within the manufacturer’s recommended limits.
- Clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
To learn more about DIY vs. professional HVAC maintenance or to schedule service in the Coastal Bend area, contact us today at CCAC.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.
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