Avoid HVAC Repairs with Maintenance 101

• Schedule Regular Maintenance:

Maintenance performed by a trained and licensed technician twice a year will keep your heating and cooling equipment running smoothly and efficiently throughout the year. A technician will notice signs of wear and tear on your components, such as belts, wiring, and electrical connections. By replacing these parts regularly, you will reduce the number of HVAC repairs needed when the temperatures are extreme.

• Replace Filters Often:

Filters are replaced during scheduled maintenance, but it’s recommended that filters are replaced more than just twice a year. Start by checking your filter once a month. If you notice it has more dust or debris building upon it, it’s time to replace your filter.

A clogged filter prevents healthy airflow in your home and causes dirt, debris, and other pollutants to build up inside your ductwork. Your heating and cooling unit will work harder to heat or cool your home when the airflow is restricted. By working harder, your equipment will experience more wear and tear and even malfunction more often.

• Maximize Airflow:

Your ducts, vents, registers and grilles experience heavy airflow throughout the year. Regardless of the season, particulates get trapped or lodged inside your ductwork and hinder your heating and cooling system from maintaining even temperatures in your home. Start by vacuuming and dusting around your registers and grilles. This will help eliminate build-up from accumulating and circulating around your home.

Next, schedule to have your ducts professionally cleaned by a NATE-certified technician in your area. A technician will inspect your ducts during the cleaning process and let you know if anything is damaged inside your ductwork. Faulty ductwork, such as bent, broken, or dented areas need to be replaced to prevent HVAC repairs in the future.

• Check Your Exterior Unit:

Your outdoor unit is designed to withstand nature’s elements, and you can help extend its life and experience higher performance from your HVAC system when the exterior equipment is maintained. If you notice any vegetation, such as trees or shrubs, growing close to your unit, trim it back so there is at least two feet of space between your unit and anything else.

Also check for debris, such as limbs, twigs, or branches, which might restrict airflow around your outdoor unit. Mowing away from your exterior equipment will reduce the amount of grass clippings built up on your unit. If you suspect your outdoor heating and cooling system isn’t functioning properly, use AC Southeast® to find a quality provider near you to schedule an HVAC repair.

• Install a Programmable Thermostat:

Your heating and cooling equipment will operate more efficiently and experience fewer breakdowns when paired with a programmable thermostat. Advanced, programmable thermostats allow you to adjust your temperature to specific settings designed to fit in with your busy schedule. You can program your thermostat for when you are home, away or asleep so your equipment operates less often and saves you money on your monthly energy bill.

A unit operating less often will experience fewer HVAC repairs. Plus, many programmable thermostats will remind you when to replace your filter and schedule maintenance with a NATE-certified technician. AC Southeast® can assist you with installing the best programmable thermostat for your current heating and cooling system.