Alert, Alert Alert! 🚨Your HVAC System is Going to Crash. 💥
(if don’t follow the given effective tips) ✅
Do you know that Americans spend an estimated $14 billion annually on HVAC services and repairs and only 30% of homeowners schedule preventative maintenance for their HVAC systems that led to high numbers of avoidable faults?
(Source: US HVAC Services Market Size & Share Analysis)
Overwhelming figures, isn’t it? But If you zoom into these respective numbers, it evidently implies only one thing and that is, we are faltering to maintain an indispensable machine that ensures that our homes are comfortable throughout the year.
Yes, we are talking about our HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system!
Whether it is combating scorching heat, nagging humidity, or keeping us warm & cozy during winters, HVAC systems never get intimidated.
But like every other complex machine, HVAC also requires regular care to function efficiently and sustain for long without any hiccups and neglecting its routined maintenance would be grave oversight.
You can encounter high energy bills, hefty repair costs and unexpected breakdowns and trust us, it is not something you would like to endure after a long day & tiring day on a random Monday.
But the question arises, “How to Keep My HVAC System Running Smoothly for Long?”
You don’t have to ponder much about it, as we have contemplated this phenomena and come up with smart and effective tips that you can apply to make sure your HVAC system works properly year by year.
So, let’s begin!
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Replacing an HVAC system air filter regularly is one of the most common and effective ways to keep your system up-to-date. See, HVAC systems filters get clogged with dust, dirt, pet hair or with other debris.
This might seem a trivial issue but gradually causes bigger malfunction drama such as restricted airflow, creating pressure on the system to work harder and eventually this dampens its efficiency and increases energy consumption.
And, do you know what adds insult to the injury? It can damage internal components severely.
So, keep and follow a filter-changing schedule depending on the usage and type of the filter, usually it is recommended to replace the filter one to three months for a cleaner and cleaner air in your home and to run your HVAC system smoothly.
Schedule Professional Tune-Ups
Just like you schedule appointments with your service provider or medical professionals for regular body check-up to ensure everything is fine and aligned in your body similarly your HVAC system also needs periodic professional maintenance.
A proficient technician or An hvac contractor not only inspect and service your system but highlight and fix potential issues with the current system before they snowball into a major problem and cause discomfort.
It might not be wrong to say that they have a visceral connection with these machines, they can communicate with them.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean & Clear
To make sure Your HVAC system’s outdoor condenser functions efficiently, you have to keep a check on its breathing room. Any kind of debris be it leaves, dirt, grass clippings and even nesting animals can disturb the unit airflow.
The better and clearer breathing room, the robust it will perform for long without any flaws and for your better understanding, we have listed some effective tips that you can consider to maximize the system’s capability and longevity.
- Routinely inspect the outdoor units and remove any visible debris.
- A two-feet clearance can be maintained around the outdoor unit.
- Trimming back the shrubs and vegetation or averting placing any object nearby the unit is also advised for adequate airflow.
- During winters, ensure the snow and ice buildup around the unit especially if your HVAC system includes a heat pump.
Seal and Insulate Ductwork
Do you know leaky or poorly insulated ducts can compromise 30% of air and drastically reduce the functionality and efficiency of your HVAC system?
Yes, but fortunately there is a DIY tip that you can acknowledge to fix the leaks and decrease your energy bills. So, without any further delay, let’s take a brief look at them.
- You can leverage foil tape or mastic sealant to seal the ductwork especially in the unconditioned area like attic or crawl space to prevent air loss. Insulting ducts in those areas aid in keeping the desired temperature of the air as it traverses your home.
Note:
If you have no conscience of the ductwork’s condition, seek a professional inspection to identify areas needed for repair or insulation.
Monitor and Program Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the command center of your HVAC system and that simply means that utilising it wisely can not only enhance robustness but also lowers the strain on your machine.
Investing in a smart or programmable thermostat can be a savvy decision as it enables you to automate temperature settings based on your schedule. For instance: you can set the temperature to rise while you’re at work or out and lower again prior to your homecoming.
But we advise you to avert yourselves from exercising drastic temperature swings as it can pressure the system. Although, many thermostats provide data and maintenance reminders that help in keeping a track of your systems health.
Now, you can simply cut down on energy consumption simultaneously keeping your home comfortable by monitoring and adjusting your thermostats settings intentionally.
Listen for Unusual Noises and Pay Attention to Performance
Do you also have heard some peculiar noises like grinding, banging, or squealing from your HVAC system? If yes then it can be a clear indicator of mechanical issues such as motor problems, loose parts or debris stuck in the system.
Additionally, a sudden drop in heating or cooling efficiency or say erratic temperature or unusual odors also reflects that something is wrong with your HVAC machine.
Do not fall into sunk cost fallacy and ignore these warning signs as by addressing them on time can prevent minor issues metamorphosing into a costly repair and health hazards.
So, be attentive to your system’s performance and the sound it generates to catch issues early.
So, these are some of the smart and vigorous tips that you can take into account to ensure the health and performance of your HVAC system.
