When it comes to HVAC systems, breakdowns are inevitable. Even the most reliable models experience issues from time to time. However, there are ways to minimize the risk of breakdowns and keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly. To prevent breakdowns, you must be diligent about scheduling maintenance appointments, inspecting your system regularly, and cleaning coils and other equipment components. If you’re unsure about how to maintain your HVAC system or if you’re not sure if you need to schedule maintenance or repairs, we have some tips to help you get through the winter without breaking a sweat. Here are some tips on how to prevent HVAC breakdowns this winter:
The best way to prevent HVAC breakdowns is to schedule regular maintenance. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers recommends scheduling a maintenance appointment at least once every year. HVAC maintenance can help prevent breakdowns, keep your system running efficiently, and extend the life of your equipment. If you can’t afford to have your HVAC system maintained by a licensed technician, there are a few things you can do on your own to keep it running smoothly. When you schedule maintenance, be sure to clean coils, flush out your system’s cooling and heating coils, check all fittings, and replace any filters that may have become dirty or clogged. With the right maintenance, your HVAC system will last for years and help keep your home comfortable all winter long.
One of the easiest ways to prevent HVAC breakdowns is to change your filter regularly. If you have a central air system, your filter should be changed every two to three months. If you have a ductless system, you should change your filter once every two weeks. A dirty filter can cause your system to work harder, which can lead to breakdowns. Not only will a dirty filter make your system work harder, but it can also increase your utility bill. Not only will a dirty filter make your system work harder, but it can also increase your utility bill. By regularly changing your filter, you can cut back on the amount of time your system has to work, which will help prevent breakdowns.
If you have a forced air system, you may want to consider changing the direction of your airflow. Most forced air systems have a duct that runs from the house and out to the yard or another building, but they also have ducts that run from the attic or crawl space into the house. If your ducts are not in the best position, they will be working harder and may break down more often. You can change the direction of your airflow by rotating the ducts so that they come into the house from a more central location. If your ducts are in the best position, they will work less often, which will reduce the number of breakdowns.
While you’re changing the direction of your airflow, you should also clean your ducts and vents. Duct cleaning will help remove dirt and dust that could be clogging up your system. Vents should be cleaned once a year to remove debris and prevent rodents from entering your home through the vents. If you have a crawl space, you can clean the vents that lead into your crawl space to prevent rodents from entering your home through the vents. You can clean your ducts and vents with a brush, vacuum, or cleaning solution that is designed for HVAC ducts.
To prevent HVAC breakdowns, you should schedule regular maintenance, change your filter regularly, change the flow direction of your airflow, and clean your ducts and vents. By following these tips, you can make sure that your HVAC system is running smoothly and efficiently all winter long.