It is an exciting time when you finally become a homeowner! But as soon as the initial celebrations die down, you will realize that it is not that easy to become a homeowner as one would think.
You have to be familiar with a lot of systems and maintain them to last you for a long time, especially if you have an HVAC unit at home. These systems require regular upkeep to perform optimally and give you your money’s worth!
In this article, we will share some valuable tips for the maintenance of your AC units, straight from the experts of HVAC in Sacramento.
Acquaint yourself with the HVAC systems
First things first, you have to educate yourself about the systems installed in your house. Do you have a central heating system or boiler or a mini-split AC? It is important for you to know how is your house is being heated or cooled through the seasons. You must also know the types of fuel it uses such as oil, electricity, natural gas, etc. Additionally, you must also learn about the age of the HVAC systems. Most units older than 10-15 years will start showing signs of trouble. Don’t forget to check its efficiency rating. Heating and cooling systems are measured on the basis of the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, EER (energy efficiency ratio) or the heating seasonal performance factor ratings.
The higher the rating, the better is the unit’s efficiency. Experts also recommend checking the warranty terms. As an added measure, you can check with previous homeowners to know if they took good care of the HVAC system. If they say they hired annual HVAC contractors for maintenance, then don’t hesitate to ask for an annual inspection report to know more about the issues experienced by the unit and what potential problems might occur.
Change air filters
Before you switch on the HVAC unit in your new home, the first thing you should do is to change air filters. For future reference, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to know how frequently you should change them. Most experts recommend that you should change the filters at least once in six months. There are also some thermostats that will automatically remind you to change the air filters.
Maintain the area around outdoor units
Maintaining the landscape is not just necessary to make your yard look neat but to also ensure that the HVAC systems perform optimally and have proper airflow. Any shrubs or foliage that obstructs the airflow must be removed. You should make sure that all foliage is at least three feet away from the unit. Additionally, you should also keep the garden tools and supplies away from the unit. Clear the snow and dry leaves or pine cones as they fall around it.
Keep an eye out for ice formation
While little ice formation on the HVAC unit during winters is normal, excess of it is a bad sign. If you see large chunks of ice forming around your unit even in the warm weather, then you need to call a professional right away. Do not try to pour hot water to remedy the situation.
Don’t close the vents in rooms you don’t use the unit
If you are using an HVAC unit for the first time, then don’t make the rookie mistake of closing the vents in the rooms where you don’t want the unit to heat or cool. Doing so will make it work that much harder to maintain comfortable temperatures in the house. Rather than blocking the outflow of air, talk to your HVAC expert to create different zones in the house without affecting the efficiency of the unit.
Signup for annual HVAC maintenance
Hire a service provider who can provide regular maintenance services on your heating and cooling units at least once a year. With consistent tune-ups, your HVAC will not only run smoothly through the seasons but will also diagnose small problems before they become big enough to cause a system break down. The best time to schedule HVAC maintenance is during the spring or fall season when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.
Keep the ductwork clean
If you notice uneven temperatures around the house and a lingering musty smell, then you need to call in an expert because your ductwork may be the culprit. Dusty ductwork or leaks can negatively affect an HVAC system’s performance.
Above all, the most helpful advice for new homeowners is to call in an HVAC professional to conduct a preliminary assessment of the unit. They will tell you exactly how well-kept or ill-maintained the unit is. This is an important consideration as soon as you move in your new home to make sure you stay suitably warm through the winters and cool through the summers.
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