Routine HVAC Maintenance for the Homeowner and HVAC Technicians

by Kevin Smith Author

HVAC heating and cooling systems in the south have dramatically different needs and HVAC systems around the rest of the country. The summers, obviously, are much hotter, which means the air conditioning system usually is run at its maximum, sometimes for weeks at a time. When the weather cools, the heating system is run quite a bit because Southerners are used to much warmer weather. Those special requirements demand a constant and ongoing maintenance routine done by the homeowner and by HVAC professionals. If you are looking for a heating and air conditioning service in Dacula, GA, here is a checklist of routine maintenance items you can do to make sure that your HVAC system performs as expected.

Filters

Filters are under a constant barrage of dirt, dust and debris every single time the HVAC system is in use. This includes when the only part of the system there is operating is the circulation fan. HVAC system filters must be cleaned or replaced at regular intervals, usually at least once a month.

Neglecting to clean or replace your HVAC system filters will result in your system performing inefficiently, problems in heating and cooling the spaces you want to be heated and cooled and in some cases, a clogged filter can affect the overall pressure of the system and shut it down or lead to various internal components being damaged.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance

The outdoor unit of your HVAC system requires the free flow of air to operate correctly. On a regular basis, at least once a week when grass, weeds and brush are growing, you should inspect your unit and make sure that there is at least a two-foot clearance around the unit and no less than 5 feet of free space above it. You should also make sure that debris like sticks, dirt and leaves are not cluttering up the bottom and internal structure.

An external unit that is obstructed can lead to restricted airflow. That can make your system wear quicker, work harder and perform less efficiently. Making sure your outside unit is completely free of any debris is critical to ensuring your unit functions correctly throughout the year.

Routine Professional HVAC Service

When your HVAC system is performing as it should, it is easy to forget that that is only possible because of the routine maintenance you and an HVAC professional put into it. Neglecting to have regular service checkups can lead to a system that is inefficient as well as possesses a proclivity to break down as parts we are out. Having a service technician perform routine maintenance is much less expensive than having to do an emergency repair.

This list of routine and regular maintenance requirements for your HVAC system will ensure that you can heat and cool your home year long. By being making sure you utilize a heating and air conditioning service in Dacula, GA, and perform your own maintenance, you can ensure you are as hot or cold as you want to be and avoid great expense down the line.