Tips and Tricks
Many expensive HVAC problems start as small, inexpensive issues that grow over time. The best way to avoid a breakdown is to have your system inspected, cleaned and tuned up at least once a year. A trained, licensed technician can catch small problems before they become big repairs.
But you can also prolong the life and improve the efficiency of your system by doing a few simple things yourself throughout the year:
Things To Do Now:
- Buy a high-efficiency air filter
- Keep AC and heat units free of leaves, grass and pollen
- Clear two feet of space around outdoor and indoor units
Things To Do Monthly Or Seasonally
- Inspect insulation on refrigerant lines every 30 days
- Replace air filters every 90 days
- In the summer, turn off water to the humidifier
- In the fall, replace the humidifier pad and turn on the water
Things To Do Annually
- Replace your carbon monoxide detector battery
- Ensure outdoor AC unit is on firm and level ground
- Clear condensate drain with bleach/water mixture
- Inspect and, if necessary, caulk around doors and windows to keep hot/cold weather outside
- Make sure all doors and windows open