3 Tips For A Spring HVAC Tune-Up To Save You Money This Summer

 

Winter has come and gone, spring is upon us and as you prepare to de-clutter your home, ridding your abode of excess, this would also be a great time to for a HVAC tune-up. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning all of which can take a beating during the changing of the seasons.

With spring in the air and summer on the horizon, we spoke with some HVAC repair professionals who were willing to offer homeowners some tips regarding getting their homes ready for warmer weather.

Filter Replacement, Clean Blades & Duct Inspection

This is an easy one, solvable by a quick trip to your local hardware store. Filters should be changed once a year or more, depending on use. If your filters are dirty and clogged, restricting the flow of air, a simple replacement will not only keep hot or cold air from being lost in the vents, but will also keep your unit from overworking and overheating, which could result in a hefty repair bill.

Also make sure to check your outdoor unit to make sure there is little to no build-up on your fans blades. Excess dirt or gunk and can down bog your exterior unit down, leaving it lumpish and prone to giving out during warm summer months. Make sure to also keep an eye on it in winter as frost or ice can have a similar effect.

Lastly, should you experience ventilation problems, checking your duct work would be an optimum place to begin. The same way a puncture wound in a hose would decrease water pressure, a crushed or disconnected air duct will decrease air flow, while overworking your unit and raising your electric bill.

Rely On Your Eyes And Ears

While the average homeowner does not possess the expertise of a long-time HVAC repair technician, the simple task of paying attention to what you see or hear can help clue you in if there is something wrong.

When your compressor kicks on are there any noticeably strange sounds? Does your unit sound like it is struggling to keep up with basic tasks? Are you paying attention to your thermostat and if it is a modern digital unit, do you have an understanding regarding how all aspects of it work? Taking care of what is in your control can keep bigger issues from arising. Make sure to do so as the seasons change.

Pay Attention To Refrigerant

While you might not fully understand how your units compressor works, some basic issues with the refrigeration system can be noticeable with the naked eye.

Most obvious would be a build up of dirt or dust on the coils, the condensation lines not functioning properly or coils and pipes freezing up, which is usually the culprit when running your A/C yet hot air blows out.

Remember, as a renter or homeowner, a vast knowledge of your HVAC system is not expected, but a basic understanding and some troubleshooting can not only help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler during summer, it can also keep your unit running smoothly, efficiently and can save you money in the long run.