It’s no secret that HVAC systems consume a lot of energy. If you are looking for ways to reduce the amount of energy consumed, regular HVAC maintenance should be on your to-do list. The scheduled maintenance will ensure your systems are performing at optimal levels. It will also save you money on costly repairs by detecting smaller issues before they escalate.
Ideally, you should hire a professional to inspect your HVAC system once or twice a year. Heating systems should be inspected in the fall season, while cooling systems should be inspected when spring arrives. Regardless of the season, there are several crucial tasks that must be performed during the inspection. Here are six essential tasks in your HVAC maintenance checklist:
1. Inspect the exterior components
To inspect the exterior components of your HVAC system, you need to take a close look at the cabinet and the coil. They should be free of dirt and debris. If you notice a hole or a leak somewhere, there is a problem. The drain pans and condensate lines should be free of obstructions. The compressor, the control box, the switches and the wiring should also be inspected to make sure there are no issues with them.
The blades of the fan should be inspected while they are stationary. The fans should also be inspected while in motion to ensure they are not damaged. The blades and the fan motor should then be lubricated. Finally, the level of refrigerant should be measured, and recharged if necessary.
2. Inspect the interior components
To inspect the interior components of your HVAC system, listen for any unusual or strange noises when your system starts. You should also pay attention to any strange odours. Next, you should inspect the duct system to see if there are any leaks that need repairing. You should also check the wiring and connections of your control box, which can be tightened if necessary.
You should ask a professional to check the blower assembly and burner assembly. Other tasks include clean the housing of the combustion blower, lubricating or replacing the belts, and cleaning the ignition system. Finally, make sure the HVAC professional tests the safety controls, inspects the flue system, and cleans the evaporator coil, the drip pan, and the condensate lines.
3. Clean the HVAC systems
After inspecting the HVAC components, you may have noticed some dirt and debris build-up that requires attention. Even if the system looks clean enough, you should still schedule a regular cleaning anyway. There could be small dust particles that seeped and dribbled into the internal parts, which you may not notice at first.
Before cleaning, make sure there is at least two feet of clearance all around the components. You should also remove any debris that have fallen on the different components. Dead leaves, grass clippings, pollen, twigs, and other debris could decrease the performance of your system. Finally, open your HVAC units and give the internal parts a gentle wash.
You should also clean the condensate drain of your air conditioner, which is a perfect breeding ground for mold and algae. If these nasty things build up, they can clog your drain and prevent your air conditioning system from functioning properly. For cleaning, all you need to do is slowly pour a cup of bleach mixed with water down the drain once a year.
4. Change air filters
The air filters of your HVAC system should be inspected every three to four weeks. They should be changed every three to six months. If they look dirty and clogged when you inspect them, you might as well change them right away. If you have pets, you will probably need to change the filters more often.
5. Inspect thermostats
As the temperature changes outside, your thermostat settings need to be adjusted to the optimal levels. You should program your thermostats at the beginning of heating season and at the beginning of cooling season. While programming your thermostats, you should also inspect them to see if they are functioning properly. In fact, you should inspect them at least once a month, and have them repaired or replaced as soon as you notice a problem.
6. Book a professional appointment
The tasks in this HVAC maintenance task aren’t suited for novices. If you are not sure how to perform some of these tasks, you should abandon the idea of performing them yourself. When you tamper with your HVAC system, you could end up damaging something, and your warranty could be voided.
If you don’t feel comfortable performing HVAC maintenance by yourself, you can book an appointment with a HVAC professional. The expert will perform the inspection diligently and give you a full update about the performance of your HVAC systems.
