HVAC systems are an important part of the home because they continue to work efficiently so that you can be comfortable in your home. However, many people often make the mistake as they do not pay much attention to providing their HVAC system with proper maintenance to keep it in top shape. HVAC systems play a vital role in keeping your indoor environment safe and healthy for you.
These systems are responsible for controlling the temperature, maintaining the levels of humidity and providing you with clean air quality. It makes sure that you will stay safe and comfortable throughout the year, whether it is a hot summer day or a chilly winter night. So, it is necessary that you offer your HVAC system with proper maintenance as it holds the key to making sure that your HVAC system will be able to work efficiently for a long period of time.
However, when it comes to maintenance many people often consider making it a DIY job instead of calling a professional. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of maintenance of your HVAC system. We will also discuss the things that you can do in DIY HVAC maintenance and when you should call a professional for HVAC maintenance.
The Importance Of HVAC System Maintenance
The full form of HVAC systems is Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is extremely important that you provide your HVAC system with regular maintenance because it will make sure that your air conditioner system is running smoothly and efficiently. When you make a schedule for giving maintenance to your HVAC system then it helps you in many ways such as lowering the risk of damage which can eventually result in costly repairs.
It will be able to efficiently serve its main purpose of providing you with a comfortable environment in your home or office. It is quite easy to maintain your HVAC system. All you need to do is regularly complete small tasks like replacing the air filters of your HVAC system and checking if there are any signs of leaks. These small things will help in improving the overall performance while reducing energy costs and also helping in extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.
DIY HVAC Maintenance
If you decide to make the task of HVAC maintenance a DIY (Do It Yourself) project then there are certain tasks that you need to complete. Because these tasks are so simple and easy to do, lots of homeowners do not bother to call a professional for this job. To complete these tasks a person does not require to have any special knowledge or skill. They just require some small tools and basic knowledge. Below you will find some of these tasks that you can perform to offer your HVAC system proper maintenance.
1. Replacement Of Air Filter
The very first task is the replacement of the air filters of your HVAC system. It is quite a simple job to change the air filters. This is also considered one of the most important tasks because if you choose to use a dirty air filter in your HVAC system then it creates multiple problems for you like decreasing the indoor air quality. After all, a dirty air filter will not be able to properly filter out harmful airborne pollutants. It can also cause you to have higher energy bills because when the air filter gets clogged it causes extra workload on your HVAC system. So, to prevent all of this from happening you need to make sure to regularly replace your air filter every 1 to 3 months.
2. Cleaning Of Condenser And Evaporator Coils
The next important task you need to do is to make sure that you regularly clean the condenser coil and evaporator coils. There are some people who often get confused between them. There are multiple differences between them: the condenser coil is located outside while the evaporator coil is located inside. Other than that they both have different functions as the condenser coils are made to release the heat while the evaporator coils are built for the purpose of absorbing the heat. Cleaning both coils regularly will help you in many ways like making your HVAC system more energy efficient as dirty coils can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system causing the system which eventually causes it to consume more energy to operate.
3. Examining The Thermostat
A thermostat is one of the most essential parts of your HVAC system. It is a device that helps in monitoring the temperature of your room and also helps in adjusting the amount of heating or cooling in your HVAC system. Because of this useful device, you will be able to set the desired temperature in your living space. The thermostat is installed in the wall of your home or office. It is extremely important that you make sure to examine your thermostat from time to time to ensure that it is running smoothly and efficiently. If your thermostat is set incorrectly then you need to fix it as soon as possible. You can consider upgrading your thermostat to a better and smarter thermostat.
4. Removing Dust And Debris From Outdoor Units
Lastly, you need to check the outdoor unit of your HVAC system as lots of dust, dirt, and debris like leaves and twigs often get collected inside it. This causes blockage in the flow of air. It is considered a very important task because the collection of dust and debris can clog your HVAC system which makes it work even harder to maintain the temperature you desire. The extra workload on your HVAC system also leads to higher levels of energy consumption making your utility bills go higher. Regular cleaning of dust and debris also helps in preventing mold growth or mildew. The presence of dust and debris does lead to the growth of microbiological organisms like mold. This can also result in releasing mold spores in your home which can be quite dangerous to your health.
Professional HVAC Maintenance
Even though you do not require expert assistance while completing the small tasks for providing maintenance to your HVAC system. However, there are plenty of big jobs that you should not try doing by yourself. So, for completing those tasks you need to call a professional for the job. Because those individuals have the skills and years of experience along with full knowledge of how to deal with situations and also have all kinds of necessary equipment for completing the job.
1. Complicated System Failures
Whenever you face complicated system failures in your HVAC system then it is important that you do not waste any time in calling a professional to fix the issue. A professional will know exactly how to deal with situations like malfunctions in thermostats that cause the HVAC systems to operate inefficiently which leads to other problems like lowering the comfort and increasing the energy bills. There are other problems like water leaks which are caused when the drainage lines get clogged or damaged. Experts like HVAC technicians have the experience to deal with situations like this. So you can trust them to fix the problem of system failures.
2. Problems In Refrigerant
If you start to face problems with your refrigerant then it is best to seek help from a professional to fix this issue. When you do not pay much attention to the refrigerant or handle it improperly then it can cause leakage which can not only harm the environment but can also increase the risk of your HVAC system taking damage. A professional HVAC technician will know how to fix the leaks in your refrigerant and possess the necessary skills and tools to replace the refrigerant if required. You can rest easy by knowing that your HVAC system is in good hands with an expert HVAC technician who will be able to provide proper maintenance to your system.
3. Electrical And Wiring Problems
You should never try to handle the electrical and wiring problems of your HVAC system on your own. This issue requires a person to have complete knowledge about how to handle wires and electrical things. The entire electrical system of your HVAC unit is quite complicated which makes it extremely dangerous for you to work on. It has detailed electrical connections that are wired with different parts of your HVAC system like the fans, compressors, and thermostats. When any of these connections get damaged then it can lead to dangerous problems like short circuits, fire hazards, or entire system failure. So, it is best to leave this job to the experts as they are highly trained to examine the situation and repair any electrical and wiring problems.
4. Complete Inspection And Maintenance
You should call a professional HVAC technician from time to time so that the experts can have a complete inspection and provide your HVAC system with maintenance if required. The HVAC experts are trained professionals who know how to properly and safely work in your HVAC system. Trying to provide maintenance to your HVAC system can be quite dangerous so you should avoid making it a DIY project and call a professional who has years of knowledge and is certified to work safely while giving maintenance and making the necessary repairs. Because they have years of experience they can easily spot the problems that mostly go unnoticed. Regular inspection and maintenance of your HVAC system can help in extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Conclusion
You have learned the importance of providing your HVAC system with proper maintenance as it helps you in many ways by enhancing the efficiency of your HVAC system along with extending its lifespan. You also discovered DIY HVAC maintenance by completing small tasks like changing the air filter, cleaning the condenser coil and evaporator coil, time to time examination of the thermostat, and eliminating the dust, dirt, and debris for your outdoor units. And you also learned when you should call a professional in HVAC maintenance. In situations like system failures, issues with refrigerant, electrical and wiring problems, and for complete inspection and maintenance you should seek help from a professional.
We at Custom Filters Direct help you to keep your HVAC system trustworthy and efficient by providing you with clean air quality. When you make sure to complete the essential tasks like replacing your air filter then it helps in maintaining your HVAC system. So, if you are looking for a high-quality air filter then we would like you to know that we have some of the best quality air filters with premium designs that help keep your HVAC system safe and lower the risk of damage. You can purchase an air filter by visiting our website and if you have any questions that you would like to ask then you can contact us by sending an email to info@customfiltersdirect.com or giving us a call at 877-958-5612. Our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you.