Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning units often work year-round – heating during winter, and cooling during summertime. However, it’s usually during spring and autumn that most people use their HVAC units less frequently; these periods are ideal to check if your HVAC is working correctly with minimal downtime.
If you aren’t sure if you’ve properly maintained your HVAC unit, North Carolina Heating & Cooling experts are ready to lend you a hand. Without any further ado, consider the following when checking your HVAC’s performance:
Swap the Filters
All HVAC units are equipped with filters that trap dust, pollen, and various small particles to clean the air before heating or cooling it. No matter how tiny these particles may be, the build-up may eventually clog the filters, preventing them from functioning properly. It is generally recommended to change the filters each season (once per three months) while more modern designs can make do with as little as two filter changes in a year.
Clean the Condenser
The interior HVAC unit governs the air purification and temperature elements while the outside is releasing stale air. The exterior of your HVAC unit is called the ’Condenser’, and more often than not, HVAC owners neglect it. It’s just as important to keep it well-maintained and clean as the interior HVAC unit, otherwise, the stale air, heat, and cool air would leave the unit at a slower rate. If you have noticed that the performance of your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit has dropped with no apparent issues being present in the main unit, it is quite likely that the condenser is clogged with too much debris. If you are living in an apartment, cleaning the outside unit could be dangerous, in which case it is recommended to call professionals to do it.
Check your HVAC’s Ductwork
The ductwork of an HVAC is responsible for transporting the air between the main and outside parts. Although modern HVAC models typically come supplied with high-quality sturdy ducts, small leaks are fairly common. Inspect the ductwork in detail, and patch the holes and leaks with regular duct tape. It’s not a bad idea to also check the vents for any debris that may be caught in your ducts. Dirty ducts can lead to air quality problems. If the problem persists, call a professional repair team! Part of any HVAC checklist should be a consultation with a professional. Give NCHC a call today to ensure your system is ready for a season of efficient climate control.Â