Most homes have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that they rely on to keep themselves comfortable during inclement weather. HVAC systems have become more complex as technology has developed, but there are still things that you can do to keep your HVAC system functioning and as good as new.

It is important to identify the type of HVAC system yours is so you can better understand how you can maintain it. Here are the most common types of HVAC systems available:

A split HVAC system uses different units to heat and cool the home. The cooling system is comprised of an outdoor and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains a compressor and condenser, while the indoor unit has a blower with the evaporator coil, which is also connected to an existing furnace or a heat pump. If a household already has a furnace, this is the cheapest to get installed.

This is another type of HVAC system that produces both low and high temperatures through a heat pump, which is used along with a furnace that burns fuel like propane, natural gas or other fuels. The advantage you get with a heat pump is it can also function as a cooling solution — so it’s just one device that can heat and cool your home.

If your home doesn’t have provisions for ducting, then ductless systems are your best option.

These have an outdoor unit, which can support up to four indoor air handling units.

Ductless systems can work well with existing ducted systems to increase heating or cooling efficiency.

This type of HVAC system consists of a condenser, evaporator and compressor packed into one unit, which is usually positioned on the roof of the building.

If space comes at a premium on the inside, this is the type of HVAC that is preferred as it only requires simple ducting to be run throughout the building.

The most common here is the packaged air conditioner with the air-cooled condenser.


HVAC Maintenance Tips

Many people are perplexed by HVAC systems — they tend to call the HVAC company even for things that might require very little effort to fix.

Let’s take a look at a list of HVAC Maintenance tips for homeowners to make sure that your unit remains functioning.

First, there are a few basic points regarding preventive maintenance:

  • If your system heats and cools, then you can maintain it in the spring and fall.
  • If your system only cools, then you can maintain it at least once every year and right before summer
  • If your system only heats (such as furnaces), again, carry out maintenance at least once a year but right before winter

Preventive Maintenance

Keeping filters clean

Your HVAC system’s filter is one of the most important components that can affect the system’s performance. The first thing HVAC specialists are going to check when you complain about a lack of adequate cooling or heating performance is the filter.

Filters also affect the quality of indoor air because they trap dust and dirt particles. You can refer to your manual about the cleaning intervals. But if your filter has lasted 90 days, it might be time to change it. If you have pets, that duration should be shorter.

Outdoor units and heat pumps

Another critical part of the HVAC ecosystem is the outdoor unit as well as the heat pump. You need to check them periodically.

Make sure that the area around the outdoor unit (with a 2-foot radius) is free from hindrances that can impair the functioning of the HVAC system. You also might have to remove sticks, leaves or twigs that may have lodged themselves in the unit.

Also, check if the unit is level; sometimes due to sinking on soft ground, the unit might tilt to one side. This can impede the proper flow of refrigerant through the unit.

Checking Ductwork

For ducted systems, the ductwork is what carries the cold or hot air to different parts of your home. You need to make sure that ductwork is free from dirt, grime, and leaks because these can adversely affect the performance of your unit and might even lead to bigger problems if left unchecked.

The easiest way you can do this is by closing off your air registers and returning to increase pressure within the ducts and then find the leaks using a smoke pencil. The smoke twirls around or is sucked toward the ductwork, indicating a leak from that area.

Audible cues

A lot of times, when an HVAC system isn’t working at 100% efficiency, it will sound different.
There will be odd noises coming out of your unit, which can indicate there’s something wrong with it.
This can also mean the problem is sometimes beyond your scope, so if the sound doesn’t go away even after you’ve tinkered with it, you might have to call experts.

Schedule annual maintenance

Something that can go a long way when you want a smooth-running HVAC system is to sign up for an annual maintenance contract with an HVAC company that can give you effective coverage.

While HVAC systems have indeed become more sophisticated as time has passed, we have listed the things that you can check to make sure that your system is in good shape.

This won’t take much of your time but can save you a bundle of cash in preventing unwarranted repairs, replacements and high energy bills.

While an annual maintenance program sounds expensive, with the right HVAC contractor, it can save you money in the long run.

Editorial Contributors
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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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