Your home’s heating and cooling unit may oftentimes go unnoticed, but when your electricity bill comes, its presence can be as loud as a foghorn.
The cost of home climate control can be significant, and if your HVAC system isn’t running as efficiently as possible then your costs will rise. Luckily, making sure your HVAC system is running smoothly doesn’t usually require a costly repair bill. Below are some preventative maintenance tips to make sure your HVAC system is working at peak performance.
Change the Filter
This is one of the biggest—and simplest—things you can do to lower your HVAC energy costs while improving performance and extending the life of your system. A clean filter can reduce your energy usage by 15%. If it’s a temporary filter, replace it every month or two, depending on your needs and filter. If it’s a permanent filter, take it out and rinse it off on the same timetable. Change filters on a day you’ll remember. You can even put an alert on your smartphone calendar to let you know when you need to change it.
If you don’t use at least a mid-efficiency air filter, pick up a box of high-quality filters at the hardware store, and you’ll notice a big difference—and so will your AC unit over time.
Clean the Drainage Hole
Air conditioners tend to have a drainage hole located at the bottom of the unit. The hole is often below the evaporator panel. For an air conditioner to work well, this hole must be kept clear at all times. While the hole may be too small for you to clean out manually, a paper clip or small piece of wire works like a charm.
Remove Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Though the AC is located outside your home, don’t forget that your outdoor unit is doing hard work while being constantly exposed to the elements. Once a month, inspect the unit and remove any fallen branches or debris. Don’t allow trees or other high-growing plants within two feet of the unit. This clear zone allows your air conditioner to pull in the air it needs to control the temperature in your home.
HVAC Experts
To schedule professional HVAC maintenance, or for more tips for your home or facility this summer, please contact MaintenX today.
