If you aren’t paying attention to monthly maintenance with your HVAC system, you are literally throwing money away.
When you consider how much energy bills are and how much you can reduce them simply by performing a few simple tasks every month, the case for a little DIY is very compelling.
Not sure where to start? Here is our recommended to-do list:
Clean Outdoor Debris
Don’t forget an important part of your HVAC unit is located outdoors: the condenser/compressor.
Make a habit of doing a walk about every month to make sure that yard debris isn’t interfering with the unit’s air flow.
Also, take some time to clean out debris from the interior of the unit.
To start, turn the power off. Remove the cage fan from the top and wipe it down, along with the blades on the fan.
Get out your wet-dry vac and vacuum out any debris that may have fallen inside.
Some units are more challenging than others to get into the nooks and crannies but do the best that you can.
Don’t forget to clean the fins too, located on the exterior of the unit. Spray down with your garden hose (don’t use a power washer, which could damage the delicate fins).
After you’ve wiped down any remaining debris, double check that all the fins are facing outwards. If they are closed or not fully open, they will block air flow which will make your unit work harder than it has to.
Schedule Your Annual Maintenance
Just before summer hits is an excellent time to schedule your annual HVAC tune-up.
It’s a great investment to help protect your unit and help make sure that everything is working in an operationally efficient manner.
The technician will take care to clean and inspect all the crucial parts.
They’ll also take a peek at the ductwork surrounding your unit and make sure that there are no leaks.
There is no point to your HVAC working hard to produce cool air, and then it floating out leaks in your ducts.
The Filter Change
Every month check out your HVAC filter. If it’s still in good condition, wipe it down with a damp sponge to remove debris.
It is recommended to change the filter at least once a quarter.
When you go to buy a new one, bring the old filter with you to make sure that you get the right size.
Make sure too that you get one with a high MERV rating, which will help with energy efficiency, which you’ll want to rely on to keep cool with the A/C, without blowing a bundle of cash.
