HVAC Lexington KY will greatly extend its lifespan and save you money.
This includes changing air filters regularly, which will help prevent dirt and debris from clogging the filter. It also involves inspecting and cleaning the condensate drain line to avoid clogs and lubricating moving parts. This prevents costly repairs and premature system replacements.
A HVAC preventative maintenance plan is an effective way to reduce operational costs, extend the lifespan of equipment, and ensure the safety and compliance of your facility. The preventative maintenance process involves several elements, including an equipment inventory, a schedule for routine inspection and cleaning, and an action plan to resolve technical problems when they occur.
The key to a successful HVAC preventative maintenance program is to identify all equipment and assets, set maintenance scheduling, and follow through on each task. In addition, the program should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
Depending on your budget, there are two options for maintaining your HVAC system: time-based or usage-based maintenance. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand how they work before selecting a maintenance strategy for your equipment.
An important element of preventative maintenance is ensuring that the airflow is adequate around your HVAC unit. If the airflow is restricted, the system will have to work harder and use more energy to cool or heat your home, which can lead to higher energy bills. To prevent this, be sure to clear the area around the unit regularly and keep it free of debris.
In addition to preventing airflow restrictions, you should also check the filters and replace them when necessary. This will help keep the air clean in your home and will improve your system’s efficiency. It is a good idea to change the filter every 30 to 90 days, as this will make your system run more smoothly and efficiently.
Another part of preventative maintenance is checking the ductwork for leaks. This can be done by taping a sheet of plastic over the vent, then using painter’s tape to mark any leaking points. After identifying the leaks, they can be sealed with mastic or duct sealant.
A well-maintained HVAC system can increase comfort, lower energy bills, and promote healthier indoor air quality. It’s important to take the time to service your HVAC system on a regular basis to avoid expensive repairs and maintain its efficiency. With a little effort, you can enjoy a comfortable home environment all year round without the worry of an unexpected breakdown.
Performing routine inspections and making necessary repairs is one of the most important parts of HVAC maintenance. It keeps the system running efficiently and can prevent more serious problems from occurring later on.
The basic tasks of a HVAC inspection include replacing filters, cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, and checking all electrical connections to ensure they’re tight and working properly. It’s also important to clean the blower area of any dirt, debris, or clogs that could restrict air flow and keep the equipment from running as it should.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms on a regular basis. This will help to ensure that they’re functioning properly and will not trigger false alarms, especially during times of extreme weather.
Many heating and cooling companies offer a variety of plans for homeowners that cover routine maintenance and repair services. These plans typically include annual or bi-annual service visits, priority scheduling, discounts on repairs, and other perks that can help you save money.
Most experts recommend getting your HVAC system inspected and tuned up at least twice per year, once before the fall when you start using the heat, and again in the spring before you switch to air conditioning. These routine services will prevent your system from losing 5% of its efficiency over time and save you money on your energy bills.
If you notice any issues or hearing strange sounds when the system starts, it’s best to call in a professional right away. Unusual noises or odors can indicate other more severe problems that need to be addressed immediately.
A professional HVAC technician will be able to spot these problems and address them before they become more severe. They can also make sure that the outdoor unit is free of dirt, grass, or other debris that could block the airflow and cause the equipment to malfunction or overheat. In addition, they’ll look at the refrigerant lines to be certain that they’re not torn, loose, or detached from the equipment. This can lead to costly repairs later on.
Cleaning is a very important part of HVAC maintenance. During routine tune-ups, a technician will clean the outdoor unit, the indoor evaporator coil, and various other parts like the fan blade, heat exchanger, electrical connections, drain lines, and ductwork. This step helps prevent damage, extends the lifespan of the equipment, and ensures safe operation.
Dirty evaporator coils are one of the most common HVAC issues. They can cause the compressor to overheat and fail, requiring costly residential AC repair. Regularly sweeping and hosing the coils will help to avoid this.
Clutter around the indoor vents can reduce airflow, making the system less efficient and creating a fire hazard. Keeping the area clear will also improve safety and make it easier to perform repairs.
The outside condenser unit can easily become a collection point for leaves, twigs, and debris. Removing the clutter and hosing it down each year will minimize dirt buildup, which can reduce airflow and affect efficiency. It’s also a good idea to keep nearby vegetation trimmed back at least two feet from the unit to allow for proper airflow and prevent overheating.
Investing in a smart thermostat can save money and energy by monitoring air filter status 24/7 and sending an alert when it’s time to clean. These smart AC controllers are ideal for ductless systems and room air conditioners (such as Mitsubishi’s popular ductless system). They also offer other next-gen features, including scheduling, location-based control, and energy usage monitoring. Check out full line of smart AC units to learn more.
Keeping up with regular HVAC preventive maintenance can extend the life of a system well beyond its expected lifespan. This allows property owners and managers to get more good years out of a system and save money on replacement costs.
Regular service also reduces the number of emergency repairs. That means fewer calls from tenants, customers, or building occupants who are in need of help with their HVAC systems. This also saves money on call out fees, which are typically higher than the cost of a preventive service call.
A well-maintained HVAC system will also perform more efficiently, saving on energy bills. When a system is not working properly, it can take more power to heat or cool the space than it should, and that will result in higher utility bills.
Another part of HVAC maintenance is replacing the air filter regularly, which helps keep the inside of the unit clean and prevents it from overworking itself. This is one of the most important tasks a homeowner can do to prolong the life of an HVAC system.
Finally, a routine check on the refrigerant lines that run from the unit to the house or business is important for maintaining a functioning HVAC system. If those lines are leaking or damaged, it will impact how efficiently the unit works and could cause damage to other components. Those lines should be checked every two or three months.
As you can see, there are many parts to the HVAC maintenance process and it is important that property owners or managers have a professional company that is willing to perform these services. It is recommended that the provider perform a comprehensive preventive maintenance service at least twice a year and offer priority scheduling.
Choosing to procrastinate on HVAC maintenance is a sure way to spend more in the long run. Whether it is in higher utility bills, needing to replace the system sooner, or the lost goodwill from upset customers, neglecting HVAC maintenance will almost always end up costing more in the long run.