During the winter or summer months, you need a working heating and cooling system. The system regulates the temperature in your house which will make you feel comfortable. Just as you mow your lawn to maintain your home, you have to take care of your HVAC equipment to keep it running.
Maintaining your old air conditioning and heating system can lengthen its life and reduce unexpected emergencies. Some small maintenance measures can take you a long way. Read on to discover how to take care of your aging HVAC system.
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   Filters
Most people never replace the filters on their system until it breaks down. Disposable filters will keep your HVAC equipment clean and eliminate large particles from the air. Make sure you change your filters every two to three months. If you have an allergy or a pet, consider changing the filters more often. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing your filters.
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   Condensing Unit
Most air conditioners have a condensing unit or heat pump on the outer part. The unit comes with a fan that disperses heat. Dirt and grime often clog the fins on the fan. As a result, you need to clean this unit to maximize your HVAC usage. Use a water hose to spray the outside of the system. Avoid using a pressure washer since it can permanently damage your unit.
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   Evaporator Coil’s Drain Pipe
Algae or mold often build up in the system’s drainpipe. You can use a bleaching agent to clean up the drainpipe or use wet-dry vacuum suction. Make sure you check the drain pipe regularly. If you do not know the location of your drainpipe, ask your technician.
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   Inspect the area around your Outdoor Unit
Always remove any leaves or overgrown vegetation around your outdoor unit to prevent them from interfering with the air flow. Trim any bushes that are near the system so that your system has adequate clearance. A 2-feet clearance on all sides is enough. Watch out for shrubs or flowers that give off excess pollen since they can easily clog your condensing unit.
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   Level the Unit
As time passes by, the pad where the condenser unit sits may tip. An unbalanced condenser can cause the compressor to fail. If the condenser is out of level, use durable material to restore its level. However, if you have a heat pump system, you can allow it to slope a bit to allow for defrost run-off in winter.
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   Call a Professional
Although most of the maintenance practices are DIY, it is vital that you call a professional once in a while. A licensed professional will help in performing preventive maintenance such as checking the drainpipe, voltage, blower compartments, and other services. He or she may also discover other hidden problems and fix them for you.
Contact experts at air pro heating & air conditioning to maintain your old HVAC system. The company offer maintenance and repair services for any model or make of HVAC system.
