Homeowner Tips
Prevent expensive HVAC repairs with these maintenance tips
Owning a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is a necessity in our daily lives. Frigid winters and sweltering summers ensure its continual use. This means that HVAC systems need regular maintenance to keep ourselves and our families comfortable. If HVAC units are not regularly taken care of, it could mean costly repairs or an entire unit replacement.
Your HVAC system is just like any other appliance in your home; for it to function properly and have a long lifespan, you must take care of it. Avoid spending thousands of dollars on replacing or repairing your HVAC system by performing routine HVAC maintenance.
How to Maintain Your HVAC System and Prevent Costly Repairs
Maintaining your HVAC system is simple and can be done quickly. We have created a checklist that will take you through the most important steps in maintaining your HVAC system.
Replace the Air Filter
Checking and replacing your air filter is key to keeping your HVAC system running properly and efficiently. Clogged, dirty f ilters minimize the amount and quality of airflow flowing throughout your home. When airflow is blocked due to a dirty f ilter, the air can bypass the filter which can lead to dirt getting into the evaporator coil, disrupting the coil’s heat-absorbing function.
There are several types of air filters available today. Depending on the make and model of your HVAC system, you may have a type of filter that is reusable. Knowing when to replace your air filter depends on how much your system has run, the time of year, and if you have pets inside your home.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends cleaning or replacing your air filter every one to two months during the cool season. If the air conditioner is constantly being used or is filtering through dusty conditions, it may need to be checked more often. The DOE also states that replacing old filters regularly with clean ones can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Be sure and set up reminders for yourself on your phone or calendar to ensure your air filter is replaced on time. (The Sensi™ smart thermostat app provides service reminders to make it easier than ever to keep your heating and cooling system functioning at its peak performance.)Your HVAC unit’s air filter protects your home from dust and pollutants and ensures the quality of your home’s air. Allergies and respiratory issues can be exacerbated by polluted air flowing through your home due to a dirty filter.
Clean the Condenser or Heat Pump
Outdoor air conditioners and heat pumps can get dirty which can cause them to work harder to keep functioning. Cleaning them can be tricky and potentially dangerous. Hiring a professional is recommended, but if you feel comfortable, the steps below can help.
First, turn the power off. If any wire is exposed, you risk electrocution. Next, use a garden hose to wash away any debris on the top, sides, and in-between the crevices. You can also purchase a coil cleaning solution.
While you are cleaning your air conditioner or heat pumps, make sure your unit is level. If it is tilted, the refrigerants will become disjointed and could be in danger of breaking down.
Check Your Evaporator Coil’s Drainpipe and Drain Pan
The drainpipe in your air conditioner plays a key role in the efficiency of your unit. Mold and debris build up over time in the drainpipe which affects the quality of air in your home. The water your drain line removes from condensation from the evaporator coil could overflow the condensate pan which can damage not only your air conditioning unit but also your home.
Using vinegar is an effective way to ensure mold and bacteria are removed from your drain lines. Vinegar prevents the buildup of these pollutants and should be poured down into your drain line.
You can clean your unit’s drainpipe, but certain equipment like a wet/dry vacuum is necessary. Hiring a professional may be the easier route.
Regulate Your Home Temperature
Everyone’s home temperature preference is different. How you intentionally run your air conditioning system can save you money and reduce stress on the system. Many smart thermostats, including Sensi smart thermostats, optimize your HVAC system by giving you the option to schedule certain temperatures at specific times.
For example, Sensi smart thermostats help save customers about 23% of HVAC energy consumption by using their ability to schedule different temperatures remotely.* The ability to schedule your Sensi smart thermostat for different temperatures throughout the day (i.e., cold mornings and warm afternoons) helps reduce energy waste. Turning your smart thermostat off while you are away from home means less stress on your system. Using energy to heat and cool your home only as needed reduces your carbon footprint as well as your energy bill
Many smart thermostats also give you the option of using geofencing. Geofencing is a way to automatically control your thermostat based on your location. When you travel away from your home, your smart thermostat will lower the temperature when it is in heat mode or raise the temperature while in cool mode. When you travel back to your home, your thermostat will be set back to the temperature you had selected before you left.
Schedule Professional HVAC Service
Even if your HVAC system is running smoothly, it is still good to have a professional come service it. It is recommended that a technician inspects the unit once or twice per year. The technician will thoroughly clean the coils and drains, scan your unit’s connections, check motor operations and thermostat functionality, and will monitor its refrigerant pressure. Safety controls will also be tested and moving parts will be lubricated.
Be sure not to skip a gas furnace inspection and servicing appointment – carbon monoxide exposure can be a direct result of your unit not working properly and can be deadly. It is recommended to have your heat coils and flue pipes checked. Being safety-minded, we also recommend checking the batteries of your smoke detectors and CO2 detectors.
HomeAdvisor states that regular air conditioning maintenance servicing costs $75 to $200 for simple tune-ups. For entire HVAC system servicing, pricing ranges from $150 to $500. For repairs outside a standard service, expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for an HVAC technician.
Check Smart Alerts
Smart Alerts can help you detect issues your HVAC may be experiencing. If you use a smart thermostat, you may be able to receive alerts when your system is not running efficiently.
Sensi smart thermostats offer HVAC monitoring to detect critical conditions that could adversely affect your family, pets, or property. You’ll receive an email notification so you can immediately take steps to troubleshoot and repair any problems. Sometimes the reason for a smart alert is a door left open. Other times it is a problem with your HVAC equipment that needs attention.
Keep the Area Around the Indoor and Outside Unit Clean and Clear
Be sure to sweep around the HVAC unit area, clear any leaves stuck in the fins, and ensure anything that could catch fire is at least three feet away from your unit. This includes leaves, branches, and any other vegetation nearby.
What Are the Benefits of HVAC Maintenance?
Maintaining your HVAC system saves money, energy, and time. If your system is running efficiently, utility bills decrease, air quality improves, and your HVAC unit lasts longer. The best benefit of all is simply safety and peace of mind for you and your family.
* Energy savings calculated by comparing operation time for a nationwide sample of Sensi users with temperature adjustments averaging 4 degrees vs. users with no adjustments. Savings vary based on equipment type/condition, insulation, climate, and temperature adjustment size/frequency.
