Use this guide to learn what you can do to maintain your home’s HVAC equipment. Plus, get a good understanding of when to call the professionals (hint: us!).
(916) 520-9990
Maintain Your HVAC Equipment
Did you know that the air conditioner was invented in 1931? HVAC units have remained important since then to keep indoor spaces cool and comfortable. The problem with HVAC equipment is that it won’t last forever.
Your HVAC unit will sustain damage over time and might not work as well as it used to. This is why HVAC maintenance is important. But how can you maintain your unit and when should you call a professional?
Keep reading and learn more about HVAC maintenance tips below.
Clean the Area Around Your HVAC Unit
Many people let their HVAC units become overgrown with vegetation and debris, but this is not a good idea. Letting things grow around the unit may shorten its lifespan. HVAC units are often pushed to the side of houses where they may be next to trees and bushes.
This makes it easy for branches and vines to grow around the unit and restrict its function. Leaves and blades of grass may also fall into the HVAC unit and cause problems. This debris may clog important portions of the unit and damage the mechanisms inside.
This would require you to hire HVAC repair services. Repairing an HVAC unit can be expensive. It is far more affordable to maintain the unit before it gets damaged.
You can do this by cutting back any vegetation that may be near your HVAC unit. If any branches hang over the unit, cut those back. This prevents leaves and branches from falling inside the unit.
The Details
You should also keep the grass around the unit cut short. The grass may not seem very harmful, but excessive, long grass can cause a variety of problems. It may also make it more likely for pests to crawl inside or around the HVAC unit.
Cut back any bushes and other vegetation that may be near the unit as well. Clear out any dirt in the area too. Dirt and pebbles may pile up near the HVAC unit and may fall inside. Pebbles are hard and can easily dent or break important parts inside the unit.
Checking on your HVAC unit once every few months is a good idea. You can keep track of anything that might be growing around the unit. This also makes it easy to keep up with any new vegetation in the area.
Clean the HVAC Unit and Filters
The air filters are an essential part of any HVAC unit. Air filters are important for keeping the air inside your home clear. This reduces allergens and improves the air quality inside so that your respiratory system is never at risk.
But the air inside your house may start to get musty if the air filters aren’t working properly. HVAC air filters need to be changed regularly. This is because they are easily clogged by dust, pollen, hair, and other debris.
They may get clogged more often if you have pets. This is because pets shed and they may bring in more pollen and dander from outside. Air filters will slowly get less efficient as they get more clogged.
They will eventually stop working completely. This will leave the air inside your home noticeably dusty and dirty. You may start to have more allergy problems too.
You can fix the problem by replacing the filters. This will also help maintain your unit. This is because the unit won’t have to work as hard to filter air.
What You Need to Know
Cleaning the HVAC unit from top to bottom is also a good idea.
HVAC units are like magnets for dust and other debris. A bit of dust might not do much, but it can cause a problem once it starts to build up. Grime and debris might stick to important mechanisms inside the HVAC unit.
This makes it more difficult to perform basic tasks. This may make your unit run slower than usual. The unit may have to expend more energy to perform the same tasks too.
This is why it is a good idea to clean the HVAC unit every few months. Remove any debris and dirt that you see. This should keep the unit in good shape for many years.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks With Your HVAC Service
You might not know the first thing about HVAC units or how they work. You might not know how to change their filters or keep them clean. This is why it is important to schedule regular maintenance checks with your HVAC service.
A professional HVAC service will make sure that your unit is getting the care that it needs. Professional maintenance is very thorough. The professionals will inspect every aspect of the unit to make sure it’s in good shape.
They will also change the filters and do a tune-up if the unit is looking worn down. Most people schedule HVAC maintenance checks once a year, but twice a year is also beneficial. The professionals can also tell you if there is anything wrong with the unit and what they can do to fix it.
This ensures that your unit will last a long time.
How to Maintain Your HVAC Equipment at Home
HVAC equipment won’t last very long if you don’t take good care of it. This is why it is important to keep the area around the HVAC unit clear. It is also important to change the filters and keep the unit clean.
Scheduling professional maintenance checks will also keep the unit in good shape. To learn more about professional maintenance, check out our services.
HVAC & plumbing across greater Sacramento.
From Loomis to El Dorado Hills, our team services 35+ communities for both HVAC and plumbing. If you're in the area, we can be at your door - usually same day.
Communities we serve (HVAC + plumbing):
1,100+ reviewsHear what our customers are saying
Carter from American Energy exceeded my expectations for a standard inspection. He left our HVAC system looking bright and shiny! He called before and was able to come by early. Really appreciated that!
Greg Rangel was on time, gave me a courtesy call before he arrived, and once he arrived, he called to find out the issues with the AC and got to work. Greg provided me with information about the AC unit after he found out what was happening, and he walked me through the process and the cost! He also changed the filter! I am now a member due to his outstanding customer service. Thank you, Greg, for your professionalism.
This company responded immediately to address an air conditioning problem for my elderly Mother during 100 degree heat. They responded in just a couple of hours. Greg Rangel was the technician and fixed the problem. He did explain the unit was older and would soon need replacement. He thoroughly explained this to me and offered a senior discount for my Mother and a lower priced unit. Job well done and thank you.
Technician conducted a thorough inspection of the HVAC system while maintaining a friendly and positive demeanor.
I recently had an air duct cleaning and I am very happy with the results. The team was so knowledgeable and personable. I would use them again for this or other HVAC needs.
Quick scheduling and professional service. I will use them again and again. Thank you!!
Great A/C service by Garrett. He was very thorough and knowledgeable on his service. Would highly recommend.
Truly professionals. Garrett showed up at scheduled time, answered all my questions and did a thorough inspection of my unit. Never felt pressured or like I was trying to be sold on anything. He explained everything along the way. An issue was found on some wiring outside, I was shown the issue and given the option to have it fixed. He showed me the completed work and the material used. I would highly recommend this locally owned and operated company.
Greg arrived late Saturday evening and worked out the problem. He explained the problem and eventually determined it began with the original set up of the thermostat, which was wrong for a heat pump. The problem was fixed, and great credit to Greg for being enthusiastic, professional and staying until it was done.
We have had a great experience with everyone from American Energy. Today we had David, and he is a very nice young man, respectful, knowledgeable and very professional. I would recommend this company to all my friends and family.
