Simple Tasks That Boost Your Sumter HVAC’s Efficiency

While most HVAC maintenance is best left to the professionals, you can perform several tasks to boost the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system. For example, changing the air filter and cleaning around the outside unit are important tasks that Sumter, South Carolina, homeowners can complete.

Change the Air Filter

Your HVAC system’s air filter traps airborne particles, preventing them from blocking the blower, building up in the ducts, or clogging the coils. It’s situated where the air is pulled into the system, making it your best defense against allergens and pollutants in your home. Not only do clean air filters improve your indoor air quality, but they also help your system operate efficiently, resulting in lower utility bills and a longer system life span.

Change your air filter every three months, but check it monthly to make sure it’s clean, and change it early if necessary. If you have trouble remembering to perform this important task, consider investing in a smart thermostat that’ll send you maintenance reminders.

Clean Around the Outside Unit

Clean around the outside unit to help it operate efficiently. Trim any overgrown landscaping, leaving two or three feet of clearance around the entire unit. Sweep away dirt and debris to prevent it from getting inside the system. To clean the unit itself, gently spray the fins with a hose to remove dust and dirt.

Consider installing a fence around the outdoor unit to help keep it clear of debris. While this is not a necessity, you might find that a small fence not only helps keep your outdoor unit clean but also enhances the appearance of your yard and reduces yard work. Just be sure to provide a way for a technician to easily enter and exit when performing regular maintenance.

Seal Air Leaks

To prevent conditioned air from escaping, inspect your home for air leaks and seal any you find. Caulk air leaks around windows, and apply weather stripping around doors. Don’t forget to check around electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures — many homeowners overlook air leaks around these areas.

Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Schedule a preventive maintenance visit every year to keep your unit functioning at an optimal level. An HVAC technician will inspect, maintain, and clean your unit, which will help it last longer and run more efficiently. Your tech will also alert you to any problems so you can fix them before they become major issues. While the visit will cost you money upfront, it’ll pay for itself by keeping utility bills in check and minimizing the frequency and severity of breakdowns.

Clean the Drain Line

The condensate drain line, which is located near the outdoor unit, removes the water your HVAC system creates when it cools your home’s air. If the line becomes clogged, the water has nowhere to go and will build up in the drain pan, eventually causing a leak if it goes unnoticed for too long.

Routine maintenance can usually prevent a clogged drain line. To perform this important task, turn off the unit and flush the line with a vinegar and water solution every month or so, and check the line often to make sure it’s draining properly.

Clean the Vents and Supply Registers

Dust and debris collect on your vents and supply registers over time, and cleaning them regularly will help your unit function more efficiently. Vacuum and wipe them down with a damp cloth to allow for better airflow through your system.

While you’re at it, make sure large pieces of furniture or rugs aren’t blocking any of your vents, which need at least 10 inches of clearance. This can interfere with airflow and affect the entire HVAC system’s ability to function.

Are you ready to schedule your preventive maintenance for the year, or do you need help with routine HVAC tasks? Give our professionals at Air Solutions Heating and Cooling a call at 803-753-4830 today. We’ll help you make sure your HVAC system is in top condition.

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