Now, we know what you might be thinking after a title like HVAC tlc: “Does this mean I should sit a bluetooth speaker next to my air conditioner and play the 90’s R&B hit ‘Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls’ until my energy bill goes down?”
All jokes aside, if you haven’t spent any time thinking about your HVAC system recently, then it’s probably time to educate yourself on how to give it a little love. We are going to get down to the nitty gritty of how to give your heating and air conditioning systems a proper tune up, so you can keep your home as cool, comfortable and efficient as possible no matter the season.
You can combine some of these easy-to-do-yourself tips with professional maintenance from the experts at DeHart to not only keep your home comfortable, but also save money each month on your heating and cooling costs and gives your HVAC tlc that it needs.
THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
There are a few things you can do regularly — and even right this very second — to make sure your HVAC system is running smoothly.
CHECK YOUR AIR FILTERS
You should already be checking your air filters once a month. Your home’s air quality depends on it! If your air conditioner or furnace cannot properly remove pollutants and allergens from the air, those airborne contaminants will continue to float around your home. Allergens in the air will cause flare ups in any allergy symptoms, and mold spores could make you and your family sick in your own home. You should be replacing your filters at least every 90 days if you want to maintain the best possible indoor air quality (or IAQ).
Additionally, if you have a filter that is too clogged with dust and toxins and gunk, it could mean that your HVAC system is working too hard to pull air through it. A harder working heating system or air conditioner means you are spending more money on your energy bill then you need to each month.
CLEAR YOUR AC OF DEBRIS
Take a walk outside and visually inspect your outdoor AC unit. Is it clear of any leaves, twigs, tumbleweeds, squirrels, excess dirt, and trash? If not, use a stiff brush or your gloved hands to remove any obstruction from the unit. Doing this will keep your air conditioner from incurring any damage due to foreign objects during operation.
Now is also a good time to ask: Is there at least a 2-foot buffer between the perimeter of your air conditioner and any other plant life or other obstructions? You may even consider building your own protective structure around your unit to further protect it from debris in a high-wind situation, like during a storm.
THINGS YOU SHOULD CALL AN EXPERT FOR
Your HVAC system was likely installed by a professional — and for good reason. There are many complicated aspects of installing, repairing, and maintaining your home’s heating and air conditioning systems. That being said, you should probably still know a few things about how the experts at DeHart can get your system running at its best.
Before one of the DeHart experts comes to your home for HVAC maintenance, there are a few things you can do. First, be sure to clear your heating and air conditioning systems of any obstructions so the technician can have proper access. In addition, take a moment to listen to and assess your HVAC system. Is it making any weird noises? Does the temperature on your thermostat seem to match the temperature inside? It’s a good idea to keep note of any of these questions or concerns so that when the technician arrives, you can have all of your questions answered by a professional.
During your heating or AC tune-up, you can expect your HVAC technician to:
CALIBRATE THE THERMOSTAT
Do you find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat? Calibrating the thermostat is important for making sure your system is delivering the results you expect — and not working any harder than it needs to. You want the temperature on your thermostat to match the actual temperature inside!
CHECK THE DUCTWORK
No heating or air conditioning system can perform at its best when the ductwork is leaky, dirty, or poorly designed. Any inefficiencies your technician uncovers can be resolved with duct solutions like duct cleaning or duct replacement.
INSPECT THE REFRIGERANT LINES
Especially as the seasons change, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your air conditioner refrigerant lines. An expert will check for leaks or excessive condensate around these lines to make sure it is properly pressurized and that your system does not need more refrigerant.
INSPECT THE FANS & BLOWERS
If you have noticed any weird noises coming from your system, it could be an indicator that there is something amiss with the blower or fans in your HVAC system. Depending on the severity, this can mean a simple adjustment or a larger replacement. These issues should never go unaddressed, as a small issue can turn into an HVAC emergency quickly.
WHATS NEXT?
Once a professional has had a look at your heating and air conditioning system inside and out, they may have some suggestions about how you can further increase the efficiency of your system. Spending a little time and money now can save you big in the long run.
These suggestions may include:
- MAKING THE MINOR REPAIRS TO YOUR HVAC SYSTEM
- UPGRADING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER TO A MORE EFFICIENT MODEL
- INSTALLING A DUCTLESS MINI SPLIT IN THAT HARD-TO-CONDITION ROOM
- HAVING YOUR DUCTWORK CLEANED AND SERVICED
CALL DEHART
With nearly 100 years in business here in Chickasha and Duncan, OK, the professionals at DeHart take pride in being the experts in the heating and air conditioning needs of Southern Oklahoma. If you are looking to get your HVAC system a much needed tune up, you can rest easy with the expertise at DeHart Air Conditioning. We want to keep your family healthy and comfortable year round and save you money month after month on your energy bills!