Every appliance we have needs to be kept in good working order. Over time, things either become less efficient and leak money, or just don’t work as well as they should.
It pays to use preventive maintenance to keep any big issues from appearing.
That holds especially true for your HVAC. If you have central heat and air conditioning, then you also have to keep an eye on its performance. Otherwise, when you need it, you may not have it.
Since spring is arriving, this is a good time to be thinking about your central A/C so let’s dive in and get to the tips on keeping it running smoothly.
Keep the filter clean
Hopefully, during the summer last year you were regularly cleaning your filter and replaced it when the time was due.
When your filter is clogged it can cause a number of issues with the performance of your A/C as it is an integral part of the HVAC system. You can end up with blown circuits and even have warm air circulating instead of cool.
If you saw some ice building up on your condenser last summer, then that was a sure sign that your filter was clogged.
This year, make it a point to regularly clean your filter to avoid any issues. Even when you have been cleaning it, you will eventually need to replace it. Check with the owner’s manual of your unit to see how often that should be.
You should also be keeping the ducts clean to avoid spreading germs, pollen and dust throughout your home when the heat or air conditioner is working. You’ll need a professional to do this job for you. Learn More About Duct Cleaning by clicking that link to a professional duct cleaner site.
Check outside
The outside unit can easily get obstructed by debris which will impact how it works. It needs the space around it clear so the air intake can happen unimpeded. There also needs to be space for the hot air to exit.
If the unit is obstructed, then it will cause uneven cooling and your electrical bill will also end up higher.
Does it smell?
Mildew can also build up inside the evaporator coil. This will cause a musty smell when you turn on the unit. It is very common when you turn on the HVAC for the first time that season. Over the time when it isn’t being used, the mildew can build.
Make sure to clean the evaporator coil and the condenser before you fire it up for the season to get rid of any mildew or mold. Use a mix of a half cup of bleach and a gallon of water and use a rag to clean them off. This will kill the mildew or mold.
If you have a recurring problem even after it’s been cleaned, then you will need to call a professional to take a look to see where the problem lies.
