How to Prepare Your HVAC Unit
When the heat rises, you want your home air conditioning unit to work efficiently. Units that have been idle often collect dirt and debris, which could interfere with operation. Follow these tips to get your HVAC system ready for use and to keep it in good running condition.
Clean or Replace the Air Filters
It is likely that replacing the air filters is the easiest Boyette air conditioning repair you can do. The filters help keep particles from entering the home, so a dirty or damaged air filter could cause reduced air circulation.
The U.S. Department of Energy urges homeowners to clean or replace filters every one to two months to reduce energy use by 5% to 15%. Consult your manual for the location of filters, and follow the safety guidelines to clean or replace them. If you need other repairs, you could have the professional service team bring the correct filter size if you are not sure you can replace them properly.
Inspect the Coolant Lines
The coolant lines or tubes that carry moisture from the unit can frequently get clogged. If this happens, the water could back up into your house. The lines or tubes should be covered with insulation to increase air efficiency.
Check the pipe to ensure it drains properly and no insulation or tubing has been damaged. If you find frayed or torn insulation, turn the unit off and wrap the ductwork with fresh insulation.
Check the Ductwork
If you run a furnace with an air system, your ductwork should be fine as long as the air flows properly. It still never hurts to check the ductwork periodically for leaks and damage. Your system has to work 50% harder when the ducts leak – even if there is as little as 20% of air passing through them. Examine the ductwork to ensure it doesn’t have holes, disconnected ducts, or torn seals. Feel the ductwork for air that escapes and check for black marks. Once you have made the needed adjustments, turn the unit back on to test it.
In addition, it’s a good idea to have the ducts cleaned every three or so years to remove excess dust and debris that might collect. This can help reduce allergens that you don’t want in your home.
Do these simple checks annually. Completing these tasks and scheduling regular maintenance can save you money when you get ready to use your AC system.
