A common question from homeowners is whether HVAC maintenance is actually worth it, and the answer is an emphatic yes. HVAC systems accumulate grime and experience wear and tear. Both those issues decrease efficiency and increase energy consumption. Proactive maintenance also makes you much less likely to experience a breakdown in the middle of summer or winter. Let’s explore the top maintenance tips the experts recommend to help you spend less on your HVAC system.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance Each Season
Even over the course of a single season, an HVAC system can become 5% to 15% less efficient. Over multiple seasons, your costs can go up even higher as dirt accumulates and parts wear. You’re also at much greater risk of needing repairs that are expensive and time-consuming.
During a seasonal tune-up, our technician will perform a multipoint inspection of all the equipment relevant to that upcoming season. As we go, we’ll clean the equipment. That includes the evaporator and condenser coils, which are the leading cause of HVAC inefficiency. We’ll test and tighten all electrical components and connections. Our technician will lubricate moving parts and replace the ball bearings if necessary. We can also recommend proactive repairs. A preventative repair can save you a significant amount of money while giving you control over the timing of the repair.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean
The outdoor unit houses the condenser pump and coil. It’s essential to your air conditioning, and you may use it in winter if you have a heat pump. Maintain at least a 1-foot perimeter around the unit. That includes branches that hang overhead. Check it regularly. If you see leaves and other debris accumulating, clear them out.
Purchase High-Quality HVAC Air Filters
The equipment inside your home, such as the evaporator coil, gets dirty too. This is one reason HVAC systems have air filters. Many homeowners use an inexpensive filter, but it’s possible to keep your system a lot cleaner with an upgrade. Look for a trusted brand and a high-quality pleated filter rather than a mesh filter. Note the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating as well. Using the highest MERV your system allows will mean that your filter traps more dust and other particles.
Swap Out Your Filters Regularly
A clogged filter restricts airflow and causes energy consumption to go up. In fact, the Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that a clogged filter can increase your costs by another 5% to 15%. Check your filter at least once a month and replace it as needed. If you prefer, we can send a technician to your home regularly to check your filter. We’ll replace it as needed and ensure that you’re using a high-quality filter with the right MERV rating.
Schedule an Annual Duct Inspection
The DOE also warns that homeowners can lose as much as 20% to 40% of their cooling and heating through their ducts. That’s a significant amount of money over a season. To avoid this, we recommend an annual inspection of your ducts. We’ll perform that inspection with a video camera system. Our technician can show you any issues and recommend maintenance and repairs as needed. While we don’t include a duct inspection in a seasonal tune-up, you can schedule those services at the same time.
Pay Attention to Airflow
Many HVAC maintenance issues manifest as airflow problems. Put your hand up to the vents in your home from time to time. Get a feel for the force and temperature of the air. Also, never ignore cold or warm spots or a temperature difference between floors.
Monitor Your Energy Consumption
Rising energy consumption is often one of the first indications you’re experiencing an HVAC problem. Track how much energy you use each month during the cooling and heating seasons. You can use that data to identify if you’re experiencing a spike. If you ever are, you can call us for maintenance through which we can nip that problem in the bud.
Do You Need an HVAC Tune-Up in Southern California?
Top Air Heating & A/C is an HVAC company proud to serve West Covina and all of Southern California. Our technicians perform maintenance to manufacturer specifications, and we can help you save even more through our maintenance plan. We install and repair cooling and heating systems as well. Our team installs insulation and installs, repairs and maintains ductwork. We also specialize in indoor air quality, including air purifiers and UV lamps. If you’d like to schedule or learn more about our products and services, call today, or contact us online.
