An HVAC system is a vital component for any home, office, or residential building. With an HVAC system, you can be sure of comfortable interiors—especially during extreme seasons. However, care and maintenance play a key role when it comes to functionality. So, if you want to keep your home cool and comfortable, think in terms of proper maintenance and best repair practices. Along these lines, here are the top tips you need to keep in mind for your air conditioning system to run optimally.
Understand How Your HVAC System Works
Normally, a central air conditioner has two main parts. They include:
- The outdoor unit—this comprises of a compressor or condenser. It sits near your house
- The indoor unit—the indoor unit—which is actually the evaporator, is situated near the furnace’s duct. However, there are systems that have heat systems in place of furnaces. In this case, the heat pump acts as the air handler.
Understanding the basic working principle of your system will help you troubleshoot problems without any difficulties.
Keep it Clean
Keeping your HVAC system clean will prolong its life. Here is how to keep your system clean:
Vacuum the unit clean. Use a soft Vacuum the fins of your AC unit clean with a soft-bristle based brush to do this. It’s important to note that the fins can be very fragile. Thus, they can crush or bend. So, be gentle when handling them. Look at the manufacturer’s manual. It will help you clean your system’s fins.
Fix a Sinking Pad
Over the years, the concrete or sinking pads (which are located under an HVAC system and the heat exchanger) will settle. So, be sure to check the copper and ascertain whether there strain in the coolant tubes as well as electrical lines.
Keep it Clean
According to one of the world’s leading companies, Pristine Aircon Cleaning, users should only attempt to clean their systems if they are sure about the same and experienced in the field. If you are someone who is not sure about how big machines work, it is best to leave this task to the experts. This is because, if you do it on your own, not only are you putting yourself at risk, but are also endangering the air conditioner. This can be quite an expensive proposition.
Programmable Thermostat
With technology, it seems that we are living in the world of the future—characterized by endless possibilities. For instance, the introduction of AC-technology has made it possible to use programmable thermostats to digitally control the temperature. So, don’t be left behind. Your HVAC system, too, requires a programmable thermostat. With programmable thermostats, you have the power to automatically set your preferred temperature—irrespective of time and location. This is convenient and energy-saving.
In-Line Duct Booster
In some cases, certain rooms can be hotter than others despite having a forced-air cooling system. In such cases, you can purchase a vent/duct booster—it will help improve the flow of air into the hotter rooms. There are 2 main types of vent booster fans. They include:
- In-line duct boosters
- Register boosters
Silent Noisy Air Conditioners
Noise from a compressor can be annoying—especially for homeowners with new condensers. So, it’s important to contact your supplier to give you a reliable sound blanket. Alternatively, you can search online for authentic sound blankets. If you cannot find one from your brand, you can purchase a universal sound blanket. Installing a sound blanket is simple and straightforward. Also, a sound blanket shouldn’t be used with old units—the noise will still be heard. Get your genuine HVAC from sites such as furnaceusa.com.
Fix Fins
Your HVAC system fins are important. So, don’t ignore them. Check to see if there are any bent or crushed fins. Then realign them using a dinner knife. Use adequate pressure. Also, don’t insert the knife too deep. It might destroy the fins.
Consider Unclogging the Condensate Drain Tube
Check to see if the condensate drain tube is clogged. Common signs of a clogged tube include water that puddles around your furnace—especially when the AC is running. Remember, condensation that results from air conditioning comes with bacteria that can be harmful to your health.
Warm Season Checklist
Is your AC working properly? Remember, your AC working conditions play a key role when it comes to keeping you cool. For instance, the outside can be hot during the warm season. And that’s where your AC comes in. With a properly working AC system, you can be sure of cool spaces. If you don’t know how to check the working condition of your AC, contact an HVAC expert to do it for you.
Replace the Filter
Check to see if the filter is in good condition. In case there are issues with your filter, replace it. However, be sure to turn off the furnace power in the main control panel before replacing the filter. Remove any buildup dirt in the filters. It will make your system work efficiently.
Is Your AC Unit the Right Size?
Normally, any AC unit should be sized to cool a certain area. So, be sure to purchase a unit that can effectively cool your spaces. Look at the ratings. Be sure that the specs of your HVAC system fit into your home’s explicit needs.
Whole-House Fans
Purchase a whole-house fan. With a whole house fan, you have a unit that will cool your house for years to come. The working principle of a whole-house fan is simple. The unit comes with an attic-mounted fan which is used to push hot air from interiors to the outside via the attic vents. Rapid heat exchange creates a pleasant cool breeze in your interiors.
Control Heat via the Windows
Most hot air enters the house via open windows. So, if you want control over the heat in your interiors, pay close attention to your windows. So, close them. Alternatively, look for blinds and cover the windows—especially during hotter seasons. Look for better ways of covering windows that face the sun—they can bring a lot of heat into the interiors.
Insulation
Improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit by replacing rotten and damaged insulation systems around the AC lines.
The Bottom-Line
Want the most out of your HVAC system? Well, proper maintenance is all you need. The above tips will help you get the most out of your air conditioning system. From understanding how an HVAC system works to checking the insulation—these tips are all you need to bring back that cool breeze into your interiors.
