Most homeowners spend as much as 50 percent of their energy budget on their HVAC system alone. As with any appliance, the best way to keep expenses down is to prevent damage. It’s important to ensure that the components in your HVAC system are properly maintained since repairs can often be very expensive.
Preventative HVAC maintenance can also make your system more energy-efficient so that you can use less electricity and lower your energy bills. Here are some steps you’ll want to take in order to preserve your HVAC system:
Replace Your Filters
This is one of the most basic areas of preventative HVAC maintenance and also one of the most important. Clogged filters are a common cause of HVAC system failure. Filters should be replaced at least once every three months. Consider using a more efficient filter or one that can trap finer particles. The higher a filter’s MERV rating, the smaller the particles it can trap.
Have Your HVAC System Inspected by a Professional
Important areas that should be inspected include the refrigerant lines leading into your house. These lines should be replaced if the damage is detected. Your HVAC professional can also measure the refrigerant charge and test for leaks if it’s low. Additionally, they can remove any debris that has fallen into your outdoor condenser and check for damage.
Keep Your Drain Clear
You can prevent mold buildup in your air conditioner’s condensate drain by pouring a cleaning solution and water down it at least once per year. The accumulation of mold along with dust and debris can cause a clog, which may result in water damage.
Preventative maintenance is far less expensive than the cost of repairing or replacing your HVAC system. If you want to ensure the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system, contact Wolff Mechanical. We have been keeping homes in the Central Arizona area comfortable since 1990.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Phoenix Valley area of Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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