Here in hot and humid Florida, the key to staying cool and comfortable all summer long is maintaining your HVAC systems. To keep an HVAC and AC system in good working order, performing the necessary maintenance is paramount. The best way to do that is by hiring a professional to perform regular inspections and repair, but there are a few general methods that homeowners can use on their own to ensure the system is performing correctly.
Air & Energy: Providing Award-Winning Home Services in Florida
Air & Energy can help provide Florida homeowners with the AC repair services necessary to stay cool in the scorching heat, as well as offering plumbing, whole-home generators, and electrical repair. In fact, they’ve been assisting homeowners in Manatee County and Longboat Key for over 30 years. For fast, affordable, and friendly service, contact the experts at Air & Energy today.
The Six Best Methods for Maintaining HVAC Systems
Why is it even important to maintain an HVAC system? After all, if it’s still working, it’s fine, right? Wrong. Maintaining the HVAC and air conditioning system is incredibly important to keep it in good working order, running efficiently, and to avoid the inconvenience of a broken HVAC system and the costly AC repair bills that follow. Here are the top six best practices for maintaining an HVAC system to stay cool and comfortable all year long.
1. Change the HVAC Filter Twice Every Year
One important maintenance task that many homeowners neglect is changing the filter on their HVAC system. There are several reasons for this: one, the filter keeps all the nasty dirt, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust, etc., from reaching the inside of the house through the vents. Changing the filter on an HVAC system improves indoor air quality considerably.
Number two, a dirty filter means that the HVAC system won’t be performing at full efficiency. The harder the system works, the higher the utility bill will be. Change the filter at least twice a year to ensure optimal air quality and keep the system running at peak efficiency.
2. Keep an Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris
If an HVAC system also has an outdoor unit, it’s essential to keep the unit and the area around it clear from any debris. Get rid of any leaves, rocks, dirt, overgrown vegetation, anything that could impede the airflow to the unit. The unit should have a clearance of about two feet on each side. Indoor units should also have two feet of clearance around them. For example, if the unit is in the basement, avoid piling things on it or around it, and be sure to sweep away any dust or dirt that accumulates.
3. Check the Thermostat
Another area where homeowners tend to forget to pay attention is the thermostat. In fact, if a thermostat is more than 10 or 15 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it. There are even new “smart” models that are programmable and allow an HVAC system to run at top efficiency levels. Ensuring the thermostat is in good condition also helps cut down on energy bills.
4. Regularly Inspect the Evaporator Coils
It’s crucial to take the time and inspect the evaporator coils on an HVAC system at least once a year, ideally twice. When the system is operating, the coils can sometimes build up a layer of dirt, which impedes its ability to absorb heat properly. Inevitably, this will also cause a rise in energy bills. Take the time to check and ensure there’s no debris anywhere near the coils that could cause a hindrance in system performance.
5. Clear the Evaporator Drain
In the hot Florida weather, the evaporator coil on the AC system will work overtime, which produces a lot of excess water. When it starts to get really hot, the coil could produce up to multiple gallons of water every day. It’s easy to see why it’s so vital that the system has proper drainage, so the water disappears instead of building up and causing problems. The coil and drainage area should also be free from mold, mildew, dirt, and other debris. One good method is using a wet/dry shop vac around the area to suck anything up that shouldn’t be there.
6. Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
One way to avoid costly repair bills is to schedule regular professional inspections. With the Florida heat and humidity as bad as it is, keeping an HVAC system in good working order is incredibly important. Schedule regular inspections today with Air & Energy and get peace of mind that any issues will be found and fixed before they turn into a problem.
Call the Experts at Air & Energy Today for HVAC and Home Services
Maintaining HVAC systems is an important part of owning them. Here at Air & Energy, we have the expertise and skill to handle any type of repair and installation services for an AC or HVAC system. Our affordable electrical, plumbing, generator, and HVAC services are just a phone call away. Call us today to learn more about the quality services we provide and how we can become your single solution for HVAC and home services in Florida.
