With the last days of summer just around the corner, homeowners look forward to leaf season and cooler days spent by the fireside. The changing season means it is time for preventive maintenance on your HVAC and furnace before winter arrives. Here are some common seasonal HVAC maintenance issues and what you need to do to get your system ready for colder weather.
Get Expert Help
Skilled individuals can the work DIY by following a preventive maintenance checklist. For most homeowners, it is a good idea to follow the advice of the U.S. Department of Energy and have a trusted local HVAC professional give the system a checkup. He or she can easily spot issues the average homeowner might miss or not consider problematic. Fixing minor problems early prevents much more serious, and expensive, repair work later on.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends calling a trusted local plumbing and HVAC professional give the system a checkup. He or she can easily spot issues the average homeowner might miss or not consider problematic. Fixing minor problems early prevents much more serious, and expensive, repair work later on.
Clean Units Work Better
People often overlook obvious signs of trouble. This Is especially true where HVAC systems and furnaces are concerned. A dirty HVAC system costs more to operate, needs repair more often and will have to be replaced sooner than one that is kept clean. To help prevent the need for hiring any hvac specialists crystal lake il residents should start outdoors. Walk around the unit and clear away any brush or debris on and around the unit.
Clean off any built-up grime, dust and pollen with a hose. Spray off the top and sides to make sure there is good air flow through the unit. Spray the condenser with coil cleaner and let sit five minutes before rinsing with a hose. Be careful to avoid bending the condenser fins. This will keep your HVAC system working at maximum efficiency and extend the life of the unit.
Filters
Your HVAC and furnace need efficient air flow to work properly. Changing the filters on the HVAC or furnace is a task anyone can do and filters are readily available at your favorite hardware store. Like most related plumbing and HVAC maintenance issues, many homeowners forgetting to keep a clean filter in place quickly leads to problems. Inefficient units cost more to operate and don’t keep harmful pollen and allergens out of the indoor air.
Clogged HVAC units freeze up, are inefficient, and cause parts like fan motors to fail. Check the filter at least once a month and replace it if dirty. Make a reminder on your phone, calendar or refrigerator door. You’ll appreciate the energy savings and cleaner, healthier indoor air clean HVAC filters provide. For DIY HVAC maintenance, the EPA provides a checklist to help homeowners keep their systems working efficiently.