HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, either keeps your home cool in summer or toasty in winter. However, HVAC is not just a single machine or mechanism working on its own but rather refers to how different heating and cooling functions work together. The components of an HVAC system consist of air conditioning, heat pumps, thermostat, furnace, and air ducts. Your HVAC system, like any other part of your home, requires regular maintenance in order to reliably and consistently function. In order to avoid any serious system malfunctions, let’s explore how to conduct successful HVAC system maintenance.

Air Conditioning

One of the most important parts of your AC unit is the air filter. Check the air filter from time to time to see if it’s getting dirty. A dirty air filter can lead to an AC producing warm or hot air when what you really need is to cool down during a heat wave. The condensate drain line, which is where humidity and condensation are collected and returned outside, will need to be checked for extra water. This line needs to be drained so moisture can be properly expelled from the home, especially during the summer. You should also have the refrigerant checked for leaks by a professional from time to time. Keeping a clean AC unit means your HVAC system maintenance is already halfway complete.

Heat Pumps

Like AC units, heat pumps also contain an air filter that requires regular cleaning. Heat pumps also consist of an outdoor unit that needs cleaning in order to work properly. If you live in an area that gets ice and snow, stay on top of making sure your outdoor heat pump unit is thoroughly defrosted.

Furnace

The furnace consists of many parts that require maintenance to allow it to perform optimally. For your own safety and the safety of others, make sure your furnace is turned off before performing any maintenance. The main components of your furnace that need regular maintenance are the burners, blowers, filters, vents, and exhaust flue. Burners and blowers need regular cleaning, which often consists of vacuuming any dust and brushing the motors. Furnace air filters need to be checked for wear and tear. Depending on the extent of the wear and tear, you might need to replace the air filters. The typical interval to change the filters is every two or three months. If you live with anyone with severe allergies, that interval should be shortened to every month or month and a half. Vents also need to be cleaned, so they don’t trap any dirt or dust. The exhaust flue, which reroutes any harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, to the outdoors, needs to be cleared out, so those gases don’t get trapped in your home. Neglecting the exhaust flue could lead to such effects as headaches, nausea, sickness, and sometimes death. A healthy HVAC system also ensures a healthy home environment.

Thermostat

Though not the most heavy-duty component of your HVAC system, the thermostat should still be tested every so often to see that it’s accurate. Often thermostat maintenance is as simple as replacing batteries. Only in cases where changing batteries ceases to be effective is thermostat replacement required.

Air Ducts

Air ducts are another part of the HVAC system that ensures proper airflow throughout the home. Checking these ducts for dust and dirt will keep that airflow moving as it should. You should also keep your air ducts nice and dry to prevent mold and mildew from infecting your HVAC system and, by extension, your home. If you notice any air leakage from your duct system, make sure those leaks are properly sealed and that your air ducts are well-insulated.

We Are Here To Help!

We hope that you now feel more comfortable with executing these components of HVAC system maintenance yourself. Of course, there are parts of the HVAC system that require the attention of a professional, and sometimes, parts of our system can go haywire in spite of consistent maintenance. If you want to know more about what HVAC system maintenance services we offer, contact us today, and we will ensure your home continues to have proper airflow, cooling, and heating.