How To Clean And Maintain Your HVAC System The Right Way

Just like every system and device, an HVAC system should be inspected and cleaned regularly to keep high maintenance costs away and enhance its longevity. This is the same whether you own a commercial hvac in Kent, WA or a HVAC unit in your home – they all need to be maintained in order to work correctly.

Here are some effective tips to clean and maintain your HVAC system. You can also take expert help from Home Mechanics to get the job done.

Keep an Eye on the Air Filters

The air filters of your HVAC system are an integral part of the assembly and need to be inspected on a regular basis to determine the system’s efficiency. Conduct a visual inspection to determine the condition of the air filters and replace or clean them if needed. Leaving the filters clogged with dirt and debris can affect the entire system in the long run. While analyzing the filters’ condition once a month is recommended, changing it every 90 days is an ideal solution to keep your HVAC system intact. If you have the luxury, invest in a pleated air filter that traps smaller dirt particles and reduces maintenance costs.

Keep the Condenser Clean

An HVAC system’s condenser, if left dirty, can also affect the functioning of your heating and cooling system. If the heat pump and condenser are kept clean, the internal parts are protected too, which increases the longevity of the entire assembly. Inspect the air conditioner units and pumps. Treat the accumulated gunk by spraying water and using a microfiber cloth to trap small dust particles. Since condensers and heating pumps are located on the outer side, you can easily reach the parts to conduct a visible inspection and clean them by yourself. Instead of using a pressure washer, stick to a water hose to avoid permanent damage to your unit.

Get it Professionally Inspected and Cleaned

If you have a large house and cannot keep up with the maintenance and inspection of your HVAC system, hire a licensed professional who is well-versed with the cleaning and overall maintenance procedure of these systems. The HVAC inspectors at PureAirways.com recommend getting a thorough inspection done at least twice a year, as it can elongate your unit’s lifespan and enhance its performance. Basic preventive measures followed by the consultants include checking the coils, cleaning the filters, dusting the blower compartments, and detecting loose wires. Another benefit of hiring licensed consultants is that they can easily pick up any faults or issues with the system that are otherwise neglected.

Minimize Usage

At times, giving your HVAC system a break is also necessary to avoid permanent damage. Letting it run on a consistent basis will likely reduce your system’s performance over time. In these cases, you may have to replace the entire unit or pay a hefty fee as repair costs. Instead, give your system some time to cool down and use fans for a while. Ceiling and table fans are capable of keeping you cool during hot days. Open the windows in your house to encourage cross-ventilation and regulate the interior temperature. This will also reduce your dependency on the HVAC system and lower your utility bills.

Invest in a Smart AC Controller

Getting regular updates on your usage can help you keep a track of your inspection and cleaning routine. Today, you can find smart AC controllers and units that provide usage history and set off alarms to notify you about the upcoming cleaning session. If possible, upgrade to an AC unit that sends alerts related to poor air quality or issues with the HVAC system. If your controller is equipped with a geofencing mode, you can also set your location and time to send alerts and keep regular updates of your usage. With this, you can save energy while keeping your HVAC system up to date.

Keep the Drain Lines Clean

Your system’s drain lines can likely accumulate a lot of debris and dirt due to the moisture that is sucked out from the air inside the room. Since many people fail to inspect and check the drain lines during the maintenance process, the system can suffer from damage due to mold and algae growth. It is not only expensive to repair the system but also gets extremely dirty and smelly, which is the last thing you want in your house. Inspect the drain line from time to time by lifting your unit’s outer cover and clean the inner parts using a microfiber cloth. In extreme cases, rinse the pipes with vinegar and water to prevent mold growth. 

Conducting a thorough visual inspection from time to time can prevent your HVAC system from damage and additional costs. Prepare a schedule and set reminders to conduct the maintenance process once a month. Set a part of your maintenance budget aside to hire HVAC consultants for routine checkups.