With summer temperatures often soaring into the 90s and winter temperatures frequently dipping below freezing, it pays to have a functional HVAC system in your Fort Mill, SC home year-round. To help you avoid mid-season breakdowns and the heating and cooling emergencies that result, the following are eight tips for keeping HVAC equipment in top condition.
1. Practice Diligent Air Filter Maintenance
HVAC equipment manufacturers recommend changing air filters every one to three months. To ensure that yours is never overloaded with lint-like debris, you should inspect it every 30 days. This is as easy as taking your air filter out and holding it up to the overhead light. In theory, if light can still penetrate and pass through the mesh in a filter, air can also.
A significant buildup of debris on air filters has the potential to impede airflow. This can lead to stress-related problems like overheating, icing, and short cycling. It can also raise your energy bill and cause your HVAC equipment to completely shut down from working too hard.
2. Schedule Annual Tune-up Service
You should schedule professional tune-up service for your HVAC system once each year. During this process, our technicians will:
- Replace missing, damaged, or worn components
- Tighten loose connections
- Inspect and repair exhaust vents
- Test all safety features
- Measure and balance airflow
Annual servicing will ensure you remain compliant with the terms of all relevant manufacturer warranties, home service agreements, and home insurance plans. It will also optimize the efficiency of your HVAC system and lower your heating and cooling costs.
3. Keep the Perimeter of Your Outdoor Condenser Unit Clear
All heat pump and AC condensers require at least 24 inches of clearance on each side. When you check and change your air filters, step outdoors and make sure this unit isn’t surrounded by twigs, leaves, or other yard debris.
4. Take Good Care of Your Roof
Another important part of taking care of your AC or heat pump condenser is maintaining your roof. Loose shingles, detached gutters, and overhanging branches can all cause serious condenser damage if they break off and fall on your equipment. Have your trees professionally pruned once or twice each year and schedule roof inspection and maintenance services before the stormy season arrives.
5. Schedule Professional Air Duct Cleaning
During air duct cleaning, HVAC companies use mechanical agitation and negative air pressure to strip off built-up gunk and suction out the debris. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests scheduling duct cleaning once every two to three years. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should be able to get by with scheduling duct cleaning on an as-needed basis only.
6. Establish an Ongoing Pest Management Plan
While you may be in the habit of only calling pest control companies when dealing with active infestations, it’s important to have an ongoing pest management plan as well. Ongoing pest control leverages multiple strategies to deter common pests from entering and damaging your home. While you can’t get rid of all the ants, rats, mice, or raccoons, in your area, you can take proactive steps to keep these and other critters from entering your HVAC system.
7. Install a Smart Thermostat
ENERGY STAR estimates that smart thermostats can save homeowners up to 8% on their heating and cooling costs each year. With these devices, people can monitor and adjust temperatures remotely, track their energy use, and establish multiple, pre-set temperature changes. Smart thermostats also populate reminders for HVAC air filter changes and routine maintenance. They can even send out alerts when HVAC problems are first detected. These alerts help homeowners schedule service before minor issues spiral out of control.
8. Keep Your HVAC Air Vents Open
Never shut your HVAC air vents to direct conditioned air away from select areas in your home. If you want customized temperature control, consider having a zoning system installed instead. Vent closures leave conditioned air with nowhere to go and cause a dramatic rise in in-duct pressure. If left unchecked, this increased pressure can lead to overheating, short cycling, or complete system shutdown.
Since 2009, we’ve been proudly serving homeowners throughout Fort Mill, SC and the surrounding cities. You can count on us for exceptional heating, cooling, and duct cleaning services. To find out about our preventative heating maintenance and cooling maintenance or schedule an appointment, contact Arce Heating & AC now.
