Aspects Of HVAC Preventative Maintenance Care You Need To Know About
Posted on: 2 November 2021
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When you become a homeowner, you learn about the importance of preventative maintenance. Spending time and money to keep your home and equipment in good shape can save money over time by preventing major breakdowns and damage. For instance, HVAC preventative maintenance helps your equipment last longer and keeps you from sweltering in your home because of an unnecessary breakdown. Here are some important aspects of HVAC preventative maintenance care.
Cleaning And Servicing The Air Handler
The air handler part of your HVAC operates during the summer when the air conditioner runs and during the winter when the furnace runs. The air handler also operates if you just run the fan during mild weather or to control air quality in your home. Since the air handler operates most of the year, it accumulates dust and the parts wear down.
It's a good practice to have the air handler serviced by a professional when you get an AC tune-up in the spring and a furnace tune-up in the fall. The maintenance technician cleans the air handler and checks parts like the blower and blower motor so worn parts can be replaced before they break down. Keeping the coil and the blower in the air handler clean is important for optimum efficient operation that keeps operating costs as low as possible.
Checking And Servicing The Condenser
The parts in the condenser only operate when the AC runs. The condenser is idle all winter, so it needs to be checked thoroughly by a professional in the spring before you start using your air conditioner again. The condenser might have damage due to mice nesting in it over the winter, or the fan might be jammed with twigs or other debris. Cleaning the condenser, opening blocked fins, and servicing the parts are important steps because if the fan, capacitor, or other parts are bad, the compressor might work harder than necessary and break down.
Examining And Repairing The Ducts
The ducts are an important part of your HVAC system, and it's good to check them occasionally for leaks. If air is leaking from the ducts, your HVAC system might not cool or warm up your house as well as it should. You might be able to check the ducts yourself when you go into your attic, and if you find a rip or gap, you should seal it or have an HVAC technician make repairs.
HVAC preventative maintenance care involves servicing from a professional as well as occasional checks and cleaning done by you. Changing the filter regularly is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your HVAC system.