Own An HVAC Unit? Seasonal Tips To Keep It Running Efficiently
If you own an HVAC unit, there are things you can do each season to make sure it runs efficiently for you. This means not only will your HVAC unit last longer, but it will ensure you stay warm or cool during the seasons. To help you get started, below are four seasonal tips.
Taking Care of the HVAC Unit In Spring
After a long, cold winter, you do not want to immediately turn the temperature over to cool. Instead, get your HVAC unit ready first. Turn the AC unit on if you powered it off over the winter. Check the outdoor air handlers or grates for buildup. For example, branches, grass, etc. may have built up there over the winter. If you do not remove the debris, it will block the vents and cause temperature problems inside your home.
Hire an HVAC contractor to maintain the unit for you, especially if you live in a cold area. This is because your HVAC unit ran extra hard to keep your home warm for you. The HVAC contractor can check the duct work in the crawlspace for any type of leakage problems. They will check the thermostat to ensure it is working properly.
The contractor will then go outside and remove the cover for the HVAC unit. They will inspect the evaporator coil, fan, compressor, electrical components, refrigerant lines, and much more.
Taking Care of the HVAC Unit in Winter
Turn the AC unit off during the winter. To do this, you should have a circuit box mounted somewhere on the side of your home or near the unit. Open the cover, and you will see a circuit breaker switch. Flip the switch to the opposite direction, and the AC unit will go off. This is important, as if you leave the AC unit on, it could turn on if the weather warms up outside. This also prevents the condensing unit from freezing if water gets inside the unit.
As in the spring, hire an HVAC contractor to inspect the HVAC unit again in the late fall. You can help by looking at the casing for rust or cracks. If found, the air conditioning service contractor can repair these for you. Wash off the dirt from the unit with a hose and a damp cloth. The unit likely has bird droppings, dust, and dirt built up.
If you live in an extremely cold area, you should cover the air conditioning unit with waterproof plastic or vinyl. This will provide insulation to prevent cracks. It also protects the unit from debris. You can purchase a cover that is made to specifically fit your air conditioner at most home improvement stores.
Your HVAC contractor can go over this information with you in much more detail.
