Regular maintenance keeps cost low and ensures that both your furnace and air conditioner stay in top working order.
Quite often, a lot of homeowners wait until there is an issue. However, a problem typically surfaces after the damage has already started. Whether your equipment is continually in use or sits inactive for days on end, early problem identification ensures that it will remain fully functional and operational.
Regular AC and furnace maintenance will reduce your downtime. Use this quick checklist to keep your air conditioners and furnace in good working order.
Furnace
1. Clean or replace your filter
It is very important to keep your furnace filter clean to remove:
- Dust
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Bacteria
- Spores
2. Make sure that your blower motor is working properly
The furnace blower motor is meant for driving the fan that will provide necessary air movement for your furnace.
3. Reduce home’s heating load
Using specialized equipment, a heating professional can tell you how to reduce your heating loads.
4. Ensure that all household vents are free
For proper working of your heating system, the air vents must circulate air completely throughout your system.
5. For gas furnaces, ensure the exhaust flue to the outside remains clear
Numerous issues might arise quickly if the exhaust flue is obstructed and not enabling air to flow freely from inside the system to outside your house.
6. Remove any flammable objects near your furnace
Anything flammable items as follows can catch fire-
- Clothes
- Paint
- Aerosols
- Gasoline
7. Clean the heating systems vents/ductwork
Your complete heating and cooling system need to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, just like any other system.
Air conditioner
1. Change your filters
Dirty filters can kill the efficiency of your AC hence it must be regularly changed.
2. Fix AC leaks
AC leaks can reduce the comfort of your room and hence plug all the leaks.
3. Use a timer
It is not necessary to keep your AC on all the time. You can set a timer so that AC may get rest.
4. Insulate to maintain cool air
Wrapping ducts in warm attics or crawl spaces will help keep the air inside cold.
5. Service your compressor/condenser
These are usually located outside and hence it is important to keep them clean.
6. Keep the AC unit cool
To more efficiently move cooled air, think about utilizing the AC in conjunction with floor or ceiling fans.
7. Perform annual AC maintenance
Your central air conditioner’s installer should put you on a yearly maintenance schedule that includes more than just changing the filters.
8. Get airflow
Too many internal doors closed will throw off the balance of the central air conditioning system, reducing the amount of airflow throughout the entire house.
9. Upgrade for efficiency
More efficient AC is now available in the market. If your AC is too old, consider replacing with an energy-efficient AC.
I have found a good service provider for my HVAC near me. You can also call Fry Heating & Cooling, if you have any maintenance need for your AC or furnace.