Winter Is on the Way Out: Is Your HVAC Ready?

Winter Is on the Way Out: Is Your HVAC Ready?

Like any major appliance, your HVAC system needs occasional tweaking to ensure that it remains functional from season to season. While you should have this done professionally at least once each year, it’s in your best interest to keep an eye on your unit between its annual tune-up. But don’t fret; it doesn’t take any special electrical or air conditioning knowledge to get it done and get it done right. Here’s how (and why).

Cleaning

One of the most important steps you can take toward keeping your system in top shape is to keep it clean. This requires that you have access to a water hose, coil cleaner, foil tape, screwdriver, and a fin tool or butter knife. You can expect to spend between $50 and $100 on everything you need, but most items are reusable. Your biggest expense will be a wet/dry vacuum, which usually runs around $50 online or at your closest hardware store.

Before cleaning the unit, turn the power off. Then get to work on the condenser coil. You’ll likely only have to pay close attention if your unit is at ground level since debris from fallen leaves and twigs can linger. Next, look at the fins. These are the paper-thin lines of metal that surround the unit. They bend easily; if you see any that aren’t straight, use your fin tool or butter knife to get them back into place. HomeAdvisor offers more detailed instructions on how to clean your unit and also makes recommendations to help you prevent algal growth. 

Troubleshooting

In an ideal world, with proper maintenance, your system would never malfunction. However, that’s not always the case. And while many issues, such as low refrigerant, a busted compressor, and bad valves, require a professional, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot a downed system. If it’s not outputting the way it should, there are a few things to check before calling your local AC repairman.

If the system is not blowing strong enough, you may have a blocked air filter. This happens when the filter is not changed and becomes covered in debris, usually dust, skin cells, and hair. According to Avery Heating and Air Conditioning, a dirty air filter can result in inefficient cooling and reduced airflow. Even worse, it will no longer be able to filter out allergens that can make you feel ill. Change the air filter and wait 15 or 20 minutes to see if the airflow feels stronger.

Another common problem is an air conditioner that won’t turn on. As the season changes and the weather warms, cool air becomes invaluable. Your first priority here is to make sure your unit is on the right setting. If you have it set to heat but have the temperature at 68 degrees, the unit is going to cut off at that point and your house will continue to warm closer to outside temperatures. Some thermostats are tricky, so make sure to read the manual. If you have verified that it is set correctly, check the fuse box or circuit breaker.

Finally, if your system continues to run without significantly affecting the air temperature, you may need to check the landscaping around your unit. If there is an obstruction, such as large leaves or other solid materials, around the unit, you can put excessive strain on all of its components. Make sure there is at least a two-foot diameter around the system with no shrubbery. You’ll also want to keep children’s toys and trash cans away.

HVAC maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By keeping the unit clean, troubleshooting, and changing the filter, you may be able to prolong the life of your system and eliminate costly service fees and repairs that could’ve been prevented.

Image via Pixabay