The weather is getting warmer, which means it is almost time to switch on your handy-dandy air conditioner. But before you do that, make sure it is still in good, working condition.
To avoid expensive HVAC repair, it is essential to conduct regular inspections and maintenance on your heating and air conditioning units. With the proper care, a new heating and air conditioning unit has a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years.
Seven Useful Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
- Buy a good filter, and replace your filter every three months. You should check the filter monthly, however, If it looks clogged or dirty, change it immediately. Replacing the filter regularly will prevent allergens from being circulated through the air.
- Make sure there are at least two feet of clearance around an outdoor air conditioner.
- Every week inspect the outdoor unit and remove debris such as leaves, twigs, and pollen. Be cautious that the lawn mower does not dispense grass clippings into the AC.
- Also inspect the insulation on refrigerant lines every month. Replace it if damaged.
- Make sure that outdoor HVAC systems are on firm ground or a level surface.
- Once a year, pour a cup of water mixed with bleach down the air conditioner’s condensate drain in order to prevent buildup of mold.
- Never shut more than 20% of your home’s registers. Doing this could place unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
If you notice any problems with your HVAC system, it is best not to try to fix it yourself. Improper HVAC unit installation can increase your energy costs by up to 30%, so hiring a professional technician can really save you money in the long run. Fortunately, there are an estimated 85,469 HVAC businesses currently located in the United States, and they employ as many as 301,123 heating and air conditioning professionals.
As the climate becomes more and more unpredictable, the HVAC industry continues to grow. In fact, between 2009 and 2014, the U.S. heating and air industry grew by an estimated 4.1% every year. If current projections are accurate, HVAC contractors are going to have a busy summer ahead of them.