Ideally, we should be able to turn on our central heat and air units and have them deliver exactly what we want, at the temperature we want, all day long. Most of the time this is the case. What is difficult to discern is when the home HVAC unit is not running efficiently. Sure, it’s on and putting out heat or cold air, but is it working too hard?
Think of your HVAC unit like a car. It has a motor and runs off a certain type of energy. In the same way that you change your car’s oil, spark plugs, recharge the battery, etc, these HVAC motors also need regular attention to run efficiently and effectively.
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance
With proper maintenance, a new air conditioner should last 12-15 years, and can last much longer than that in some cases. With central air and/or window units it’s not only important to have routine maintenance performed on them, but to also use other features that will help you’re A/C run even better.
The first thing is to make sure your unit is not leaking and is draining as it should. If too much water is allowed to remain in the system, or oppositely that too much is allowed to escape, then your air conditioner is not running as it should. Check hose connections for leaks or crack, and make sure the condensate tube is able to drain without impediment.
Change the filter every 4-6 weeks. If anyone in your family suffers from severe allergies, having a clean filter can be a significant help to them.
Clean off the outside air compressor with water. A garden hose will do the trick.
Keep all things away from the compressor so that it has a free flow of air.
It is important to have your ductwork professionally cleaned every 3-4 years. This will not only make you breathe a little better in your home, but it will also keep your home from being so dusty. This process can be particularly effective if you have hardwood floors, since carpet will usually grab and hide dust bunnies.
Think of your HVAC unit like a car. It has a motor and runs off a certain type of energy. In the same way that you change your car’s oil, spark plugs, recharge the battery, etc, these HVAC motors also need regular attention to run efficiently and effectively.
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance
With proper maintenance, a new air conditioner should last 12-15 years, and can last much longer than that in some cases. With central air and/or window units it’s not only important to have routine maintenance performed on them, but to also use other features that will help you’re A/C run even better.
The first thing is to make sure your unit is not leaking and is draining as it should. If too much water is allowed to remain in the system, or oppositely that too much is allowed to escape, then your air conditioner is not running as it should. Check hose connections for leaks or crack, and make sure the condensate tube is able to drain without impediment.
Change the filter every 4-6 weeks. If anyone in your family suffers from severe allergies, having a clean filter can be a significant help to them.
Clean off the outside air compressor with water. A garden hose will do the trick.
Keep all things away from the compressor so that it has a free flow of air.
It is important to have your ductwork professionally cleaned every 3-4 years. This will not only make you breathe a little better in your home, but it will also keep your home from being so dusty. This process can be particularly effective if you have hardwood floors, since carpet will usually grab and hide dust bunnies.
Central Air Conditioning Tips
If you have any doubts about the efficiency or effectiveness of your air conditioning unit, have it inspected by an HVAC contractor. This professional can make deft adjustments to your unit to ensure that it is in prime condition. Click here to have your air conditioner tuned?
By using ceiling fans, whole house fans, and box fans you can circulate the cool air quicker and help out your air conditioning unit. Also, move drapes, pots, and furniture away from vents so that the air can free flow to reach more area. Whole house fans are particularly effective at helping air cooling systems and can lower the indoor very quickly.
Your attic needs to be properly ventilated to ensure correct and efficient airflow. Good attic ventilation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10-12 percent.
Pull the shades and blinds on the sides of the house that get the most direct and intense sun. This will not only keep your home cooler, but will also protect your home from sun damaged furniture and sun damaged floors.
If at all possible, wait until the cooler times of the day, specifically late evenings and early mornings, to run dishwashers and dryers. These appliances emit a good amount of heat when they run, and without you noticing, they can raise the temperature in the house. (Opposite to this, try to run these appliances during the daytime in the winter to help out your heater.)
Read Full Article Here: Central HVAC Maintenance – Tips & Advice
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