How to Maintain HVAC Systems

Why do we maintain our HVAC System?

Regular maintenance performed correctly on HVAC systems can keep your equipment in tip top condition.  It prevents costly and extensive repairs in the future. Residential HVAC equipments are more than just heating and cooling systems. Through the years, the HVAC industry has responded to homeowners demand for total comfort with a more complex and integrated system.  Today it is designed to deliver optimal indoor air quality and improve energy efficiency. While quality can be expensive, these sophisticated all-inclusive systems are priced more than the traditional ones. Therefore, to protect your investment and ensure your HVAC maintains its good performance, proper maintenance is essential.

Yearly Professional Maintenance

Generally, manufacturers always recommend professional maintenance of any heating and cooling system annually. Specific maintenance requirements can also vary from one system to another.  But a yearly general maintenance check up is a general requirement intended to include total inspection apart from cleaning.

The annual inspection typically serves two functions:

First, this basic thorough inspection enables the technician to diagnose and identify imminent problems on the system’s performance and efficiency.

Second and most importantly, to determine if the system is safe and do not pose a health risk to your family. This is common for gas-fueled heating systems, where carbon monoxide buildup can occur and create a dangerous and deadly situation in your home.

The ventilating, heating, and air-conditioning systems have become an essential tool in delivering thermal comfort to your home.  It also ensures good quality air.  Today these essential equipments are used in businesses aside from homes and should be cleaned and serviced regularly. By and large, businesses and homeowners have little knowledge on the necessity for such regular maintenance.

Fundamentally, to perform such necessary maintenance is simple.   Follow these right steps carefully, but of course with proper know-how;

How to clean and maintain your home HVAC Equipment

1. Check and clean filters monthly and replace worn and dirty filters every six months. But if filters are found clogged during a monthly inspection, change it immediately with a fresh one. Up keeping your filter is vital and ensures the best air quality in your home.

2. Disinfecting coils would be every six months. Evaporator coils which continue to be damp are the best places for mold to grow, as per BBI Environmental Solutions. Mix 50×50 solution of water and bleach to stop mold development on the evaporator coils. Wear protective gear such as a mask and gloves to avoid exposure to airborne mold spores. Check the outdoor condenser coils too if it needs the solution. But before you begin this procedure, make sure your equipment is off and unplugged.

3. You can clean the coils after disinfecting them. Evaporator coils can be caked with indoor dust deposits. The condenser coils outside the building can be caked with outdoor and dirt debris. Clean by scrubbing both sets of coils using an acidic cleaner applied to a rag.

4. Always clean up pools of standing water close to the air-intake vents every six months, particularly on or near the roof. Remove any excess water with a rag to prevent growth of mold. Water buildup is normal, however, finding pools of water frequently once every six months indicates your HVAC equipment may have broader problems.  You will need a licensed HVAC repair technician.

5. Inspect your system’s fans every six months. It can fill up with dirt and lower performance and air flow. Wipe clean it with a damp rag for minimal dust deposits.  Use soap and water for dried-on dirt.  Always switch off and unplug your equipment before doing any of these activities.

6. Always have a certified HVAC technician to clean and inspect your system every year as a regular maintenance routine. Professional cleaning for HVAC systems typically yields the best results for maximum efficiency and also identifies any major issues that may require immediate solutions.