Tips for Winter HVAC Maintenance
Temperatures have begun to drop and air pollutants increase. It is also the
perfect time to begin your HVAC maintenance for the frigid winter
weather months to follow.
HVAC Maintenance and Cleaning
It is important to do some seasonal cleaning, and schedule a
maintenance visit to tweak your system for maximum output. Cleaning your
air conditioner's outside unit is one of the necessary tasks to maintain your
HVAC system.
Follow these five easy steps:
·
Open the metal box near your outside unit, and
turn the switch to the off position
·
Use a water hose to spray off any loose debris
Spray the unit with coil cleaner
·
Wait 15 minutes to let the cleaner foam and bond
with the dirt on the coils
Rinse the coil cleaner off with the hose
Dirty coils and blower parts can negatively affect your
indoor air quality. If this HVAC maintenance is not done, bacteria,
fungi, and pollen can build up in your system. Breathing those things in
can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, asthma attacks, or even flu-like
symptoms. Regular HVAC maintenance will reduce any contamination of your
air stream, which ensures a healthier household.
Replace the Filter
Change your filter every season to clear your home's HVAC
and ductwork. A clean filter can increase productivity by 15%, which will
save you money and require less HVAC maintenance.
Consider an Upgrade
Fall is the perfect time to upgrade your HVAC unit, because
the temperature is usually not too hot or too cold. If your system is
old, now is the time to make the change. You don't want to wait and end
up changing your furnace during the dead of winter.
Warm it Up
Another important part of HVAC maintenance involves keeping
your system warm and loose. Just like a car, your HVAC system benefits
from regular use. Run your unit a few weeks before the weather turns cold
and it will be primed for use when the time comes to begin using it.
Prepare your Outdoor Unit for the Cold
HVAC maintenance includes making sure your outside unit does
not freeze over. The best way to prevent this from happening is to clear
the airflow, change your refrigerant, and keep it warm. When the outside
temperature drops below 60 degrees, cover the unit with a thick blanket. If you haven't already, it is time to purchase a blanket that will protect your unit from
ice.
Regular HVAC maintenance can actually reduce the potential
for costly repairs by as much as 95%. While you may not be able to avoid
all HVAC repairs, this preventive care can save a lot of money and
inconvenience down the road by preventing most unexpected heating or
cooling emergencies from taking place. Call the Bloomingdale NJ AC Experts at Air Expo
today for all of your winter HVAC needs and beyond. 973-283-0300
