HVAC Maintenance
It’s easy to take our HVAC systems for granted. With heating or cooling available at the touch of a button, most of us don’t think about what would happen if that suddenly changed.
However, like any home fixture or appliance, heating and air conditioning units need maintenance to keep functioning at their best. Is your AC ready to keep your family comfortable during the warmer months ahead? Keep reading to learn six crucial HVAC maintenance tips for Texas homeowners as the mercury starts to rise.
Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system play a crucial role by trapping pollen, dust, and other airborne particles. Over time, those particles clog the filters, restricting airflow and making your HVAC system work harder.
Regular cleaning or filter replacement as part of routine HVAC system maintenance is important for maintaining a healthier indoor environment, improving airflow, and even reducing your energy bill. Get into the habit of checking your air filters at least once a month and replacing them every one to three months, depending on indoor air quality. If you have pets or allergies, you may need to clean or replace them more often.
Inspect Your Outdoor Unit for Debris
It’s not just the indoor HVAC unit that needs your attention; the outdoor condenser unit does, too! It requires adequate airflow to operate efficiently.
If you notice debris like dirt, grass clippings, and leaves around the outside, clear them away and rinse the condenser coils with a garden hose to remove buildup. It’s also important to trim plants and shrubs to provide at least two or three feet of clearance.
This simple HVAC preventative maintenance task can be all it takes to ensure your unit will keep you cool during the warmest months of the year.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Like our HVAC units, we expect our thermostats to operate flawlessly at all times. When you change the temperature settings, the HVAC system should turn on or off properly. The display should also be clear, and the readings should match a thermometer placed next to the thermostat.
As you prepare for the warmer weather, now’s a great time to check that your thermostat is functioning as it should and is on the right settings for optimal efficiency. The experienced technicians at most HVAC companies recommend:
- 64°F-68°F in winter while you’re home, and lower at night
- 72-78°F in summer while you’re home, and 78-82°F while you’re away
- Auto fan setting to prevent constant, inefficient energy use
- Sleep/away function to reduce heating and cooling loads when you’re asleep or away
- Programming your system to turn on 30-60 minutes before you arrive or wake up, rather than running it all day
- Avoiding extreme settings, such as the lowest AC setting in summer, as the unit will work harder, but won’t cool your home faster
If you don’t believe your thermostat is making your HVAC system as efficient as possible, talk to your local HVAC technician in Austin about installing a smart thermostat. Some of the many benefits associated with installing a smart thermostat include:
- Reduced energy usage and increased cost savings
- Remote access and control
- HVAC maintenance service alerts
- Longer lifespan by reducing overworking and optimizing their performance
- Integration with platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Home
Inspect Air Vents and Ducts
When was the last time you checked your HVAC system’s air vents and ducts? The changing of the seasons is a great time to give them some attention. Make sure the furniture and rugs in your home aren’t blocking the vents, and vacuum any dust buildup from the vent covers. You should also look for signs of leaks from ducts, such as unusual dust accumulation.
Ensuring your air vents and ducts are functioning as they should help your HVAC system function optimally and avoid energy waste.
Test the Air Conditioning
All too often, homeowners find themselves typing ‘HVAC companies near me’ into a search engine on a sweltering hot day because their AC failed to work when they needed it the most. Don’t wait until you really need your air conditioning before using it. Instead, test it during spring to make sure it’s working as it should.
During your check, take note of any unusual smells, strange noises, warm air instead of cold air, and weak airflow. If you encounter any of these problems or others, call an HVAC company to resolve them while the temperatures are still mild.
Check the Drain Line
Air conditioning units work by removing humidity from the air, with the moisture draining away through a condensate line. When you don’t perform routine HVAC maintenance, algae and debris can accumulate and clog it over time.
Before the warm weather arrives in earnest, inspect the drain line for blockages and flush it out with a manufacturer-approved cleaner.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up with Atomic AC & Heating in Austin, TX
Want to be sure your HVAC system is truly ready for the scorching-hot Austin summer ahead? Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance service with the expert technicians at Atomic AC & Heating.
During a spring tune-up, we’ll check your HVAC system’s refrigerant levels, clean the evaporator and condenser coils, test the system’s performance, inspect electrical components, and lubricate any moving parts. Our job is to extend the life of your system, improve its energy efficiency, and give you much-needed peace of mind!
Worried about forgetting about HVAC maintenance? Inquire about our HVAC maintenance plans. We provide a ‘set and forget’ approach to HVAC maintenance, with our team handling all maintenance and repairs on an annual schedule.
Contact us today to schedule your next HVAC service and get ready for a cool, comfortable home this summer!
