HVACs are a big part of our daily lives. When they go wrong, we feel the consequences in all sorts of ways, and when they’re working well, we take it for granted that we can control the temperature in our houses or businesses.
However, there are many things that people don’t do to look after their HVACs, which is probably because many users simply don’t know much about them.
This article will be going over some HVAC care tips so you won’t have to worry about your unit failing on you at a critical time — keeping your family cool during a heatwave or warm during a cold snap!
Know what type of system you have
The first thing you need to find out is what type of system you have. There are three main types, each with its own pros and cons:
- Ductless mini split systems. This type is probably the most energy-efficient, but also the most expensive to install and repair. They come in two parts: an outdoor unit that provides cooling and heating, and an indoor unit that distributes it through your house using a network of tubes.
- Vertical duct systems. Some people confuse this with the first type of system, which is understandable if you don’t know anything about HVAC. They work in much the same way as mini-split systems, except that they use large tubes rather than small ones.
- Central systems. These are ductless mini-split systems but bigger scale. It’s not unusual for them to serve an entire apartment block or an office complex rather than just one house.
Clean and check the filter regularly
This is a common-sense tip, but it’s one that many people overlook. If you don’t look after your filters, meaning that you don’t clean and replace them as necessary, the air passing through the HVAC unit will be dirty and won’t circulate very well. This usually happens once every three months or so.
This can lead to all kinds of problems down the line, such as increased levels of bacteria and molds in your home, leading to higher allergy risks. Additionally, it can increase your energy bills due to poor airflow leading to higher cooling costs.
Keep your HVAC unit away from windows
This is a tip people tend to ignore when they first buy their HVAC unit, but it’s an important thing to remember. Most modern units have a thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature of the air being pumped through them.
So, if you place your unit near a window, it’ll start warming up in winter before you even turn on the heat. This will result in extra costs for nothing.
Keep the condenser clean
If you have a central system, remember that there’s more than one component. There’s also a condenser, which is located outside your building in most cases. Try to keep this area free of debris. You can also keep your condenser clean and maintain your HVAC units with the help of a reputable HVAC St Charles company.
Conclusion
With these HVAC care tips in mind, you should be well-equipped to deal with any potential problems your unit might face. It’s worth remembering that HVAC units are significant investments, and they need to be looked after if you want them to do their job correctly for as long as possible.