For your HVAC system, there are tasks better left to the HVAC professionals such as wiring and mechanism inspection about twice a year. However, you can prolong the life and efficiency of your system with regular inspection and cleaning. With good HVAC preventive maintenance, you will avoid overworking your system (which translates to lower utility bills).
Basic DIY Preventive Maintenance for your HVAC system:
- Use a high-efficiency pleated air filter and replace this every quarter.
- Inspect the units to make sure that leaves, grass, twigs, or pollen do not clog the units.
- Make sure that furniture does not block the heating or cooling vents so that your unit does not have to work harder to give ample heating or cooling.
- Clear about 2 feet of space around the outdoor units.
- Install ample thermal insulation. This makes a huge difference in conserving energy. Use the recommended thermal insulation especially for your ceilings. For your windows, you can drastically reduce heat transfer by double glazing (2 glass panes separated by sealed air space). Also keep in mind that the more glass area, the more heat is transferred during warm months and heat lost during the cold season. Keep all doors and windows closed.
HVAC Preventive Maintenance That a Professional Should Handle:
- Checking for any leaks, such as gas leaks in the gas furnace or refrigerant, or duct leaks.
- Checking refrigerant levels and recharging as necessary.
- Inspection of wirings, control box, thermostat, and other electrical components.
- Inspection and cleaning of internal parts: fan motors, fan blades, blower assembly, evaporator coils.
- Checking all hoses and belts.
- Lubrication of all moving parts.
Conducting HVAC preventive maintenance extends the life of your HVAC system. This also makes for efficient operation to cut your energy bills to a minimum. Hence, having a professional check your entire system twice a year will optimize the use of your HVAC performance.