Nowadays, having a well-functioning HVAC system at home is a necessity. It keeps you cool in the scorching heat of the summer, and warm in the cold. Especially when you use your HVAC system continuously, it’s expected for it to become susceptible to shut downs, and the need for repair. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility, however, to take a more proactive approach. Learning the basics of good maintenance enables you to catch a problem before it even occurs.

Maintaining your heating and cooling system is a very important skill that homeowners must learn. Keeping your heating and cooling unit in good working order will make you and your family more comfortable in your home. In order to do this, you must learn the proper maintenance procedures.

Here's a quick guide of some of the best tips you can follow:

1. Understand How The Components Work Together

The first step in maintaining your heating and cooling system involves understanding how the components work together. Whether you’re an expert on these sorts of technology or not, start by getting to know the basics of the parts, and how to repair each part.

You must have an understanding of the duct work, the filters, and the furnace in order to keep everything running properly. If any of these components aren’t operating at optimum efficiency, its overall productivity will suffer because there will be a delay in air flow throughout the system. Your home will also become uncomfortable due to increased dust, dirt, and noise.

However, when you understand how each of the components work, it’s easier for you to determine if there’s anything that’s not functioning as well as it should be.

2. Clean The Heat Pump Or Condenser

Out of all the parts in your air conditioner or heater, the heat pump or condenser is one of the most important. More so, it’s also the one that can get dirty the most.

When this happens, the heat pump or condenser will have to work even harder just so it can create the cold or hot air that you desire in your home. Hence the need for you to clean it regularly.

Keeping the heat pump or condenser clean can reduce any damage that could happen to any of the internal parts of the whole system. If left dirty and dusty, it can only break down even faster.

3. Check The Filter Regularly

You should check the filter every three months or so. This is the optimum time for you to be sure and convinced that the filter is functioning well.

More so, if you’ve got old HVAC units that are still functioning well, be sure to replace the filters after ten years to avoid becoming clogged. The combustion byproducts in your system will cause the filters to become clogged over time. This means that you should have the filters replaced before they begin to show signs of failure.

4. Have Annual Professional Check-Ups Done

Whether there’s a problem or not, you should always have your HVAC system checked annually. This company offers HVAC checks and repairs, so you have an idea of who to trust and call, if you live within the area.

A check-up visit done on-site by a professional can help ensure that it’s performing in its optimum levels. Generally, the professional technician will perform the following:

• Check for any leaks in the heat exchanger;
• Ensuring that the fan is working correctly;
• Checking the refrigerant levels.

This annual check-up, although an added expense, is one good way for you to avoid any costly repairs in the future.

5. Keep The Furnace Cleaned Regularly

Even beyond the days of your maintenance visits, it’s still important to keep the furnace cleaned. You should use a carbon filter to keep harmful materials from entering inside of the system. Periodic cleaning will keep your furnace running efficiently and it will also keep it clean from debris.

For instance, your heating and cooling system components can develop problems as well. Over time, they can develop rust if they’re exposed to the elements too long. If you’re looking into how to maintain your heating and cooling system, you should make sure to keep the furnace cover and ducts clean. 

6. Clean The Drain Lines

Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate in your drain lines. When left alone, this accumulates, clogs the drain and worse, becomes a breeding ground for mold and algae.

This happens because of how the cooling system of the air conditioner takes away the moisture. Hence the need for you also to pay special attention to the drains. Clean it periodically.

You can do this by removing the air conditioner’s outer cover. Then, clean this drain line with a piece of cloth. If there’s a mold build-up, you can clean this up with a simple mixture of water and vinegar.

Conclusion

Many homeowners hire professionals to maintain their HVAC system because they’re assured of the service quality. You're guaranteed that they know exactly what they’re doing, and they’ll do an absolute good job at it. If you’re considering hiring a professional to take care of your air conditioning or heating system, consider hiring a company that offers affordable annual fees. You don’t have to spend large amounts of money on having experts take care of your equipment. With these tips and the help of an expert, you can prolong the life of your HVAC system.