There are some necessary things we need in our home when living in the Sunshine State – like a smooth-running HVAC system. HVACs require regular maintenance to keep performing at peak efficiency and without regular maintenance, you may leave yourself vulnerable to HVAC repairs. Here are a few helpful tips to help you prevent those repairs.
While it is recommended that any work on your HVAC system be done by a trained and insured technician, there are several things you can do to increase the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system. Your HVAC system will have a large air condenser outside and will feature large vents and condensers. These vents are designed to suck in air and let out waste products such as water. For these devices to run as effectively as possible it’s important that these vents are clear of any debris that may restrict the airflow. Examples of this debris are leaves, bird nests, and litter. If your HVAC system has free standing units, it is also recommended that lawn trimmings be swept away from the device. Trees and bushes near the HVAC units should be trimmed back, to prevent stray branches from being sucked into the units. It is also recommended that any droppings from trees and birds be hosed off the unit.
A filter’s main job is to catch debris, dust and similar contaminants from being cycled throughout your home. The average filter has a lifespan of one month before it is required to be replaced. Not replacing your filters can lead to the particles that were caught making it into the system and circulated throughout your house, which is not good for your health. In some cases, the dust and debris begin to compact, which makes it incredibly difficult for fresh air to enter the system and leads to an increased strain on fans and pumps.
Depending on the design of your HVAC system you should be able to replace your air filter quite easily – most systems have easily accessible air filters. Air filters are usually found on the side, top or bottom of the HVAC unit, it will always be near the return air duct. If your HVAC system has return vents in the house, check behind each grill for a filter. The process of replacing air filters is simple, but you can contact us to find out the best AC filter for your system or to replace them for you.
As your air conditioner runs it slowly gathers dust and dirt, which makes the system less efficient, and can increase your electric bills. Scheduling an AC tune-up with a professional AC technician will help you get the most out of your AC unit. At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric we offer a precision AC tune-up which includes checking filters, coils, topping off refrigerant levels, inspecting and testing electrical components, advising on and replacing damaged components.
The air duct system in your home’s HVAC system should be cleaned and maintained annually. Due to the temperature difference between the air outside and the air inside of the duct, moisture tends to develop on the inside of the duct – this moisture along with the lack of light inside the duct creates the perfect environment for bacteria, mildew and mold to grow. This moisture also allows dust, pet hair and pollen to attach to themselves and to the inside walls of the ducts.
A clean duct will ensure the air quality in your home is to the highest standard. The cleaning process should always be done by a professional, as they will be prepared with safety gear to protect themselves from the hazards of opening a duct.
Leaks in your AC unit can unfortunately lower your system’s efficiency. At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric we offer ArtieSeal™ Duct Sealing, injecting sealant directly into the duct system to seal any leaks.
At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, we have licensed AC technicians, plumbers, and electricians ready to help you with all your repairs or installations. Thousands of South Floridians already know that when it comes to HVAC repairs, Art Can Fix It!