Do-It-Yourself HVAC Maintenance That Keeps Your Home Comfortable

Regular HVAC maintenance helps keep your Conway, AR heating and air conditioning system running smoothly, prolongs the life of the unit, minimizes repairs and reduces energy usage. There are several simple heating and cooling maintenance tasks that a homeowner can do.

Clean or Change the Filter

The primary reason air conditioners stop working is because of dirty air filters. Filters capture airborne particulates such as dust, animal dander and insect parts and keep them from entering the system. If these particulates bypass the filter, they coat coils and are blown into your living space. When coils get dirty, the compressor must work harder. Eventually, the unit breaks down. Clean or replace the filter at least every three months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Keep Registers Free and Clean

Make sure registers are not blocked by furniture or curtains. A central HVAC system is balanced so that air pressure is equalized throughout the house. Blocked registers reduce airflow. Closing or blocking a register affects the balance and makes the unit work harder. Clean the registers so that they are free of dust and debris.

Clean the Outside Compressor Housing

In a split system, the condenser unit is located outside. Over time, the housing gets clogged with grass clippings, leaves and dust, which makes the compressor work harder and affects efficiency. Before starting work, shut off the power. Remove and clean the fan cage. Use a garden hose to gently spray water over the fins. Never use a pressure hose because the delicate fins can be damaged. Trim shrubs and vegetation around the unit so that air flows freely.

Have Regular Tune-Ups

Although there are several tasks a homeowner can do to maintain a heating and cooling system, HVAC contractors examine each component of a system for optimum performance. Cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels and calibrating the thermostat are part of a professional multi-point tune-up.

Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling of Conway, Arkansas, does new installations, repairs, custom ductwork and seasonal maintenance on commercial and residential HVAC units. For more information about how preventive HVAC maintenance can improve AC performance, give us a call.