6 Tips For Avoiding Expensive HVAC Repairs Through Regular Maintenance

Ensuring clean air indoors is not a luxury but a necessity. Today we face immense air pollution due to many reasons like construction projects, smoke emitted by vehicles, dust, pollens, pet hair, etc. While we cannot control what happens around us, we certainly can control what happens indoors. No matter if it is an industry, a manufacturing unit, an office, or a home, air filters are a must in today’s world. The size and function of these filters vary according to the application. Large complexes might need industrial filters capable of purifying air at larger levels as compared to a home or an office that might require basic air filters. Air filters can be attached to the HVAC system to ensure you breathe fresh air all the time. However, it is also important that these filters and the HVAC system need regular maintenance to function at optimum levels. In this blog post, we will explore some of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of your HVAC maintenance.

Tips to avoid expensive HVAC repairs

1. Clean the condenser:

The condenser coil is responsible for cooling down and removing heat from the refrigerant. Due to the constant functioning, these coils can be accumulated with dirt, debris and other particles, resulting in inefficiency. The condenser can be found in the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. Cleaning the condenser regularly will ensure you don’t spend big bucks on HVAC maintenance. To clean the condenser properly, start by turning off power to the unit at both the thermostat and circuit breaker. You can then process to remove any debris or dirt that has stuck to its surface. Using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment will make sure no delicate components are damaged. You can also use a hose with low-pressure water to wash off any stubborn dirt. This will ensure smooth flow of air and prevent expensive repair of the HVAC system down the line.

2. Regular Vibration Checks for Equipment Health:

Unnatural vibration is an indication that your HVAC system is not functioning the way it is supposed to be. Such vibrations usually incur huge expenses when tried to repair. Hence, regular vibration checks must be carried out to ensure the overall health and longevity of your system. Vibrations can mean a number of issues, such as loose or worn-out parts, imbalanced fans or motors, or even faulty electrical connections. By regularly keeping an eye out for vibrations, you can catch these problems early on before they become major repairs. You can simply start by visually inspecting all components of your HVAC system and look for any signs of wear or damage, and tighten any loose screws or bolts that you find. You can also resort to a seismic restrained spring mount to prevent unnecessary movement or vibration during seismic events or other natural disasters.

3. Check the filter:

A filter is arguably the most crucial component in an HVAC system. Filters are responsible for collecting and blocking all the dirt, debris and pollutants from entering indoors. Accumulated pollutants can cause the filter to function inappropriately. You can either clean the filter (if it is a washable filter) or simply replace it with a new one. It is very important that you conduct the inspection of your industrial air filter or regular filter from time to time. The more you delay checking on your filter, the bigger a loss you will be. Cleaning the filter or replacing it is usually a technician’s job but at times, it can be managed by oneself too.

4. Regular Duct Cleaning:

Just like a filter, the duct too can be accumulated with dust, dirt, and debris over time. This build of particles can lead to decreased efficiency of the HVAC system and thus, poor indoor air quality. Clogged air ducts will restrict the flow of air and if left unchecked, can make the maintenance process difficult and expensive. It is highly recommended to inspect and clean the air ducts regularly using air duct cleaning equipment. Once again, this is a professional’s job. Timely inspections and cleaning of air ducts will not just ensure longevity and optimum functioning but also reduce energy consumption and overall costs. Should you fail to ensure regular duct cleaning, it might have to be replaced entirely and leave you with expensive bills.

5. Keeping the Outdoor Unit Clear:

While many concentrate on cleaning the filter or the air duct, the outdoor unit is often overlooked. This may seem like a simple task, but it can have a big impact on the performance and longevity of the HVAC system. An outdoor unit must be free of any obstruction. Usually, trees, leaves or shrubs obstruct the outdoor unit and clog the airflow. You must regularly clean the outdoor unit using a soft brush attachment and a vacuum cleaner or with a water hose. It is also important to check for any signs of damage or wear on the outdoor unit itself. Look for cracks in the housing or bent fins on the coil. These issues can affect performance and should be addressed promptly by a professional technician. The best practice is to install a cover around the outdoor unit.

6. Cleaning the drain lines:

Debris and dirt can damage the drain lines just as they could the filter, air ducts and outdoor unit. This can lead to clogs and potential water damage. Regularly cleaning out these drain lines can help prevent costly repairs. It is recommended to use a mixture of vinegar and warm water to clean the drain lines. Simply pour the solution into the access point near the indoor unit of your HVAC system and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing it out with water. This also helps maintain optimal humidity levels in your home. Excess moisture from condensation can lead to mold growth and other issues if not properly drained away.

Preventing any damage is much easier and more convenient than repairing it. The simple steps listed above can help you enhance the functioning of your HVAC system. These measures will also help you take care of simple problems in the easiest way before they turn out to be major ones. Thus, you will avoid breakdowns and all the massive expenses related to it.