An HVAC system is a set of components and equipment that work in unison to provide cooling, heating, and ventilation for your home. The system typically includes an air conditioning unit for cooling, a furnace or boiler for heating, ductwork for circulation, and a ventilation system to expel warm and humid or cold air based on the requirement.
In this article, we shall outline why it is important to maintain your HVAC system. We will also unravel other common aspects of an HVAC system, so you get the complete picture. If you’re looking for expert HVAC system maintenance and repair services, look for contractors that offer a comprehensive maintenance plan in Fort Mohave, AZ and other hot climates.
Why is HVAC maintenance important?
First things first, we need to understand the reasons why you need to maintain your HVAC system. As with any appliance or machine, regular maintenance is not only recommended but critical even for HVAC systems. Let us outline the reasons:
Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC system is why you have clean and comfortable indoor air, even during the extreme seasons. By filtering and circulating the air in your home, HVAC helps maintain a healthy indoor environment. Regular system maintenance will help keep the filters clean and the air circulating properly. This way, you can ensure optimal indoor air quality in your home.
Safety
A lack of proper maintenance can cause HVAC systems to pose safety risks, such as electrical fires or carbon monoxide leaks. With regular maintenance, however, you can identify and address potential safety issues.
Lifespan
HVAC systems that are not maintained regularly and lie neglected wear out faster, leading to costly repairs or even costlier replacements. Regular maintenance can significantly increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you money, time, and hassle.
Energy Efficiency
Finally, regular maintenance of your HVAC system can improve its efficiency, helping you reduce your energy bills. When your HVAC system operates more efficiently, it uses less energy and still ends up performing better.
It is highly recommended that you have your HVAC system serviced by a certified and reputed professional at least once a year. With regular maintenance, your HVAC system not only functions properly but also maintains the safety and comfort of your home seamlessly.
How does an HVAC system work?
For HVAC system owners, it is often helpful to know how it works. The system works with a combination of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components to control the quality and temperature of the indoor air inside your home. We have presented a simplified overview of how it happens:
- The thermostat within the HVAC system gauges the indoor air temperature and sends a signal to the heating or cooling system to turn on.
- The air handler springs into action and pulls air from the home’s return ducts. The pulled air is passed through the filter to remove dust and other particle contaminants.
- If the system is set to heating, the air is then passed over a heat exchanger, where it is warmed by combustion or electric resistance coils.
- Alternatively, for cooling, the air is passed over a cold evaporator coil, bringing the air temperature down to comfort.
- Now that the air has been heated or cooled, it is blown through the ducts and out of the vents to circulate throughout the home.
- Other than the standard heating and cooling systems, the HVAC also includes components for ventilation. This helps remove stale air from inside the home and brings fresh air inside to replace it.
- Many HVAC systems also include air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. All of which contribute to improving indoor air quality.
- Once the temperature has reached the desired level, the thermostat signals the system to turn off.
- This process is repeated to maintain a comfortable temperature and air quality in the home over time.
A well-designed, properly installed, and well-maintained HVAC system can provide efficient, reliable, and effective control over the temperature and air quality inside your home.
What are some common HVAC maintenance tips?
So, what can you do to ensure your HVAC system keeps running well for a long period? Fortunately, there is a litany of common HVAC maintenance tips that can help you keep your system running smoothly:
Check Thermostat Settings
Ensure that your thermostat settings are appropriate and accurately reflect your home’s needs. You can consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat that automates the system to not need manual intervention. This way, timely regulation of the optimal temperature will keep your home comfortable and save energy and money.
Inspect and Clean Ductwork
Leaked or blocked ductwork can result in your system working harder than needed. This decreases system efficiency and increases your power bills. You must carry out regular inspections of your ductwork for leaks. It is also recommended to have a professional clean them as and when needed.
Check and Clean Coils
Dirty condenser or evaporator coils have a similar effect on HVAC systems by reducing their efficiency. You must have a professional clean and maintain the coils at least once a year to ensure smooth functioning.
Clean or Change Air Filters Regularly
Dirty air filters restrict air flow, negatively impact indoor air quality, and reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your system. It is critical to check and clean your air filters every 1-3 months or depending on your usage. At times, you may have to replace the air filters if cleaning them doesn’t help.
Keep Outdoor Units Clear
The outdoor unit is exposed to several natural elements. It is normal for debris, leaves, and other materials to accumulate around the outdoor HVAC unit. However, this often ends up restricting airflow and reducing efficiency. Keep an eye out for the unit and clean the area around it to remove any debris or obstruction of any kind.
Endnote
Maintaining HVAC systems on your own can be incredibly complex and difficult. Fortunately, you can have your HVAC system inspected and maintained by a professional. We recommend doing this at least once a year to ensure its proper functioning by identifying potential issues before they become major problems.
Follow these HVAC maintenance tips to extend the lifespan and performance of your system while avoiding expensive power bills.
