Southland Heating & Air Conditioning’s HVAC checklist to keep your AC in top shape
At Southland Heating & Air Conditioning, we are proud to use top quality products like Trane, Fujitsu, and RUUD. Just like you need to have your car regularly serviced and taken care of, you need to do the same for your home heating and cooling system. Making sure your system is getting regular preventive maintenance can go a long way in keeping your home cool in the sweltering summer months and nice and cozy during the chillier winter months.
Even more than that, following a proper HVAC maintenance checklist, can mean better indoor air quality, optimal comfort control, and a more efficient system, saving you on your energy bill over time. The last thing you want is to see a spike in your energy bill during the hottest time of year, especially when it feels like your AC isn’t even keeping you cool. We’ve provided you with a checklist below to make sure you stay on top of all things maintenance for your indoor heating and cooling units.
Whether you are looking at your heating or cooling unit, keep the following in mind:
- Always keep the blower assembly clean (this includes the blower wheel, motor, and blower housing)
- Keep motors lubricated and fan belts updated
- Check units for debris and dirt (clean as necessary)
- Keep evaporator coil and drain lines clean
- Check for any possible refrigerant or gas leaks
- Clean and replace air filters on a regular schedule
- Listen for any strange noises during operation
- Take note of any strange odors and look for the source
- Measure any major temperature rises/changes in airflow
There are numerous other steps you can take to stay on top of your heating and cooling unit maintenance. We provide more specific tips below based on the type of unit you are looking at!
Staying cool: Enhancing your AC performance
- Adjust your thermostat to the highest possible within your comfort
- Check attics to ensure they are properly ventilated to avoid heat build-up
- – Consider enlarging or adding vents if needed
- Avoid using the AC unit during more moderate weather
- Keep blinds, shades, or drapes closed during hotter times of day
- Add an awning over windows that are directly facing the sun for most of the day
- Don’t let the kitchen or bath exhaust fans run longer than needed during the hot season
- Keep all heat-producing electronic devices away from below the thermostat
Keep the heat going: Protecting your heating unit
Just like with your AC unit, regular maintenance, care, and upkeep can set your heating unit up for optimal performance. We’ve provided some insights below to keep in mind!
- If you have a unit that does heating and cooling, aim to schedule maintenance both in the spring and fall to avoid problems during the time you need it most
- Keep the thermostat on an inside wall that is away from any windows and doors
- Aim to keep your thermostat low as possible within your comfort
- – Having it set just 1 degree over 68°F can increase the amount of energy usage by 3%, boosting your spending as well
- When expecting a large group of guests, lower the thermostat a degree or two to save on heat usage
Insulation goes a long way
In addition to basic heating and cooling maintenance, it is important to keep your insulation in mind. Without proper insulation, even the greatest heating or cooling unit won’t be able to perform efficiently as possible. This could cost you money and comfort!
Some key tips on insulation:
- Keep your home properly insulated
- – R-30 (10″) for ceilings, and R-11 (3-1/2”) for exterior walls
- Check for any humid outside air entering into our household, as this can result in up to 30% more demand on your system
- – Add caulking, weather-stripping, and other options
- Add weather-strips and caulk around any entrance doors and windows
- Make sure to keep windows and doors closed to avoid air escape
- More glass area (such as larger windows) can increase the amount of heat in summer and heat loss in winter
While most of these tips are simple, they can go a long way in helping your home heating and AC system perform its best and avoid future complications. By following a regular maintenance schedule with your local HVAC professional, you can also avoid more system problems and keep your energy bills lower. When considering HVAC maintenance, try to schedule service before colder or warmer weather hits and you start using your unit more regularly. This will help you avoid any issues like being stuck with a broken AC at the peak of summer or a busted heating unit when a cold front hits.
When you need HVAC maintenance, be sure to schedule it with Southland Heating & Air Conditioning, your local Newbury Park experts!
