Did you realize that over 87% of the homes in the United States are equipped with an HVAC system? Most homeowners rely heavily on their HVAC units, especially when the temperatures outside get humid. If you want your HVAC unit to perform when it is needed, then you need to realize the importance of maintaining it.
As time goes by, certain HVAC components will start to show signs of wear. These components will need to be maintained to stay functional. If you are looking for things you can do to keep your air conditioner running efficiently, check out the information below.
1. Change Your Air Filters Every Two Months
Allowing the airflow your unit needs to function to be obstructed can be disastrous. One of the main sources of airflow obstructions is dirty air filters. The air filter in your HVAC system is designed to capture the dirt and dust entering your home from outdoors.
Ideally, you want to change these filters once every two months. Ignoring the need for new air filters can lead to lots of problems. If you aren’t comfortable checking and changing these filters on your own, then working with a professional AC repair service is important.
2. Keep The Outside Portion of Your HVAC Unit Clean
Residential HVAC systems have both indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor portion of your unit is designed to pull in air and then cool it off. The metal enclosure that surrounds this portion of your unit can attract a lot of dirt over time. If the dirt is allowed to remain on this enclosure, it can restrict airflow. This is why using low water pressure to wash off this dirt is a good idea. Ideally, you want to perform this type of maintenance once or twice a year.
3. Take a Look At Your Refrigerant Lines
While cleaning the outside portion of your HVAC unit, you need to check the refrigerant lines. These lines help to deliver the refrigerant needed to cool the air taken in by the outdoor portion of the unit. Inspecting these lines can help you detect problems early on. If you see any holes or cracks in these lines, you need to contact a technician to perform repairs.
4. Check Your Insulation
If you want to extend the life of your HVAC unit, then you need to avoid overworking it. Poorly insulated homes tend to allow the air-cooled by an HVAC unit to escape. When this happens, the HVAC unit has to work even harder to keep the inside of the home cool. Instead of allowing this problem to persist, you need to replace your old or damaged insulation.
5. Keep Direct Sunlight At Bay
Direct sunlight can cause the inside of your home to rise quickly. Leaving your curtains and blinds open can make the inside of your home very hot. If you want to reduce the amount of work your HVAC unit has to do this summer, then you need to close your curtains and blinds.
Using the tips in this article can help you keep your HVAC unit in pristine condition.
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