Maintenance Tips for Your Texas HVAC System
When it comes to homeownership, sticking to a routine will help you keep your house in the best condition possible, and maintenance for major appliances is a big part of this.
Like many other components of your home, caring for your HVAC system from season to season is the best way to keep it working optimally over the years. And when you live in Southeast Texas, you know how important it is to be able to count on your air conditioner and furnace!
Here are a few ways to help keep your HVAC system in the best condition possible, which will help you save on energy bills while prolonging the life of your heating and cooling equipment.
Schedule Regular Maintenance for Texas HVAC Systems
At Smart A/C Services in Stafford, TX, our technicians recommend that you have a professional check your HVAC system every year for the best indoor air quality and functionality.
Depending on the HVAC company, several items are checked during an inspection, such as:
- Refrigerant level
- Checking motor voltage
- Inspecting wiring
- Cleaning the blower compartments
- Flushing the coils
HVAC maintenance generally needs to be completed twice a year, in the spring and fall. Not only will your system thank you by running at peak performance, but scheduling routine tuneups will also help prevent more expensive repairs or replacements later down the road.
Inspect and Clean Outdoor A/C Units
Keeping the area near your air conditioner free of any debris or vegetation is important to prevent airflow obstructions. Be mindful of any trees that give off pollen on your property, because they can create a clog in an outdoor A/C unit.
Check the Drain Pan
The drain pan is your system's drainpipe, and blockages can form in it from things like mold or algae. This happens more in the spring and summer and can be addressed by using a dry vacuum and bleach to help remove the clog.
Check the Thermostat
If you are concerned that the temperature is off in your home, it is recommended to include your thermostat in your HVAC system inspection. If you are experiencing shortened cycles, the system won’t turn on, or there are no changes when you adjust it, these are indicators of a larger issue.
Some thermostats are battery operated instead of hardwired into the system, and if they are no longer working, this can also affect the operations. Typically you want to check their performance with regular inspections or replace them at least once a year
Regulate the Interior Temperature
The less you use your HVAC system, the longer it can last, which is why having a set temperature is crucial. If you haven't already invested in a programmable thermostat, this could be a highly beneficial addition because it will automatically adjust the temperature depending on the time of day. This can result in less wear and tear on the system, and lower your utility bills.
Open the Air Vents
Some people believe that closing the air vents will help save on energy costs, but this is not the case. Keeping them closed is one of the worst things you can do because it increases the pressure inside the HVAC system. When the vents are closed, the cool air is blocked off, which can lower the unit's performance, so you want to keep the vents open and free of obstructions around the exterior.
Inspect the Ducts
Another component of the HVAC system is the ducts. They are the primary transport to get the air circulated through the home, and if they begin to leak, this can affect your energy efficiency and raise your monthly bills.
The ducts have specific steps to complete an inspection, including testing them at the joints and seams through the home. So, if you are planning a regularly scheduled inspection it is recommended to include this with the service call.
Inspect the Color of the Flame
Checking the flame for your HVAC system is another important part of maintenance, and the color should be a crisp blue. If it contains orange or yellow, this means that the proper combustion is not happening in the system, and the furnace may need to be adjusted or cleaned.
Keep the Condensing Unit Clean
This part of the system helps dissipate any heat that will be sent to the outdoor unit and helps with the cooling process. These tend to get clogged up with grime and pollen, so to support them, keep the external portion of the unit clean with water and a hose.
Switch Out Filters Regularly
Your filters generally will need to be changed every one to three months, and if you have pets, they may need to be changed more frequently.
If the filter is clogged, it can create more of a strain on the unit. This can cause more pressure, make the system work harder to perform, and increase the need for A/C repairs.
Smart A/C Services: Committed to Your Comfort
There is no doubt keeping up on essential maintenance can make a huge difference when it comes to your comfort level and monthly bills. Smart A/C Services is a leading HVAC contractor serving the Stafford, Texas area with a five-star reputation.
We specialize in all your HVAC needs, from residential heating services to commercial, and are here to help 24/7!
For more information or set up an appointment, contact us today or give us a call at 832-439-0758.