Depending on the kind of system you have and your environment, most can last for about 15 to 20 years. However, you’ll find that maintenance also plays a vital role in their lifespan. 

Regardless of the kind of system you have, it’s essential that HVAC maintenance is done by a professional at least once a year. This kind of preventive maintenance will help you resolve developing issues before they become critical. You’ll benefit your wallet even more by performing a few basic maintenance tasks yourself. 

Read on to learn about the top three things you need to have on your HVAC maintenance plan to ensure that you’re elongating its life and saving money! 

1. Check the Filter 

Checking the filter is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do for your system. About every three months, make sure your filter isn’t dirty or clogged. If it does appear clogged, make sure to purchase a new one and install it. 

Clean filters ensure that your system is running efficiently, reducing your energy costs at the same time. With your system running optimally, you’ll also find that this reduces the need for repairs over time.

Clean filters also ensure that your indoor air quality is good for everyone, including those with allergies.  

2. Clean Condensers and Heat Pumps

Much like filters, making sure that the condensers and heat pumps are clean means that your system is running efficiently at all times. 

Before you clean the condenser coils, make sure that your AC is turned off. You’ll then want to trim any plant growth around the unit as well as remove twigs, branches, and other debris with gloved hands. 

A garden hose on its lowest setting also makes it easy to clean any remaining dirt or debris. Once you’re done cleaning, you’ll also want to check the unit for any damage. 

3. Clean the Drain Lines

Along with making sure the outdoor unit is clear and clean, you’ll also want to make sure that the drain lines are clear. Along with cooling or heating the air, air conditioners also remove humidity. Over time, moisture accumulates in the drain lines and is directed outside. 

If the drain line isn’t cleaned regularly, algae and mold can develop inside, becoming detrimental to people who have allergies. You can clean it easily by taking off the cover to your air conditioner and cleaning the area you can reach with a piece of cloth. 

For a more thorough clean, you can also opt to clean it with a mixture of water and vinegar in order to eliminate any mold that might already be inside. 

4. Don’t Forget Professional Checkups

Regardless of whether you’re maintaining your AC filters, drain lines, and condensers or not, it’s crucial that a professional is doing checkups at least once a year. They’ll inspect your system and make sure it’s operating at the peak of its performance. 

The inspection includes: 

• Making sure the fan is working right
• Cleaning the coils and drain lines
• Checking or changing the air filter
• Checking the level of refrigerant
• Checking for leaks in the heat exchanger
• And more

You can see why professionals will be able to catch issues that you may not be able to find and save you money in the long term.

5. Visually Inspect Your Unit

Don’t forget that it’s important to pay attention to the physical appearance of your HVAC systems as well. This is especially important if you have bushes or trees that produce a lot of pollen, as, over time, the pollen can clog up condenser units. 

Make sure to trim back plants around your unit so that they’re not growing on, across, or over. You’ll also want to remove any buildup of leaves, branches, and plant matter you find that’s fallen on top of the unit. This will help it continue to work efficiently. 

6. Watch the Temperature

Did you know that a federal program recommends that you keep your AC at 78 degrees in the summer? Not only can this save you hundreds of dollars in energy bills, but your system won’t be working as hard during the summer, leading to increased longevity. 

However, sleeping in warmer temperatures can be challenging for your body. Lower the temperature to around 65 degrees at night if you want to have a good night’s sleep. 

7. Consider a Smart AC Controller

If you have trouble remembering to maintain your system or you find yourself frequently fiddling with the temperature, you may want to consider installing a smart AC controller. These controllers can let you know when your filter needs to be replaced, or the unit needs to be cleaned. 

They can also learn from how you’ve used the AC in the past and automatically adjust the settings depending on the time, whether you’re home or not, and more. 

The smart controller may also be able to tell when your system isn’t performing as efficiently as possible. 

Review Your HVAC Maintenance Plan Today

By making a note on your calendar to maintain and inspect your AC system regularly, you’ll be ensuring that it works properly for years to come. Furthermore, by hiring a professional to come out and inspect your unit once or twice a year, you’re making sure that you haven’t missed any important details. 

Maintaining your system can be overwhelming at first if you haven’t paid much attention before. With this in mind, we recommend first focusing on cleaning or changing the filter every three months. Next, start making sure that your outdoor unit is free of debris. 

Maintenance for your AC is essential, and we make sure that our HVAC maintenance plan comes with a 42 point checklist so that our professionals don’t miss any detail. Contact us today to schedule regular maintenance!