Being a homeowner is one of the most exciting milestones in anyone’s life, but every asset you own comes with a responsibility to preserve it, and your home is no different. As a new homeowner, you now have the responsibility to maintain your home’s major functioning systems, including the air conditioning repair Phoenix, AZ which plays a major role in making your home a comfortable place to stay in.
Here are a few helpful tips to help new homeowners maintain the HVAC system in their homes, so they can prevent any major problems or rookie mistakes that may happen as a result of neglect:
Know the HVAC System
Find out what cools and warms the spaces in your house. Whether it is a boiler, central air conditioning or mini-split systems, it is important to know what type of fuel they run on, and typical options include natural gas, electricity, propane, and oil. You also need to find out how old the HVAC system is, as most tend to start malfunctioning after their first decade.
Other important details that you need to know about your home’s AC repair Phoenix, AZ system is the warranty period and conditions, as well as its efficiency rating, which will be based on the energy efficiency ratio, seasonal energy efficiency ratio, heating seasonal performance factor or annual fuel utilization efficiency. You can learn more about this by studying the previous owner’s inspection reports, which you should request as soon as you move in.
Keep the Vents Open
HVAC experts recommend that you keep the air vents throughout your home open, as this makes it easier for your system to maintain your home at a comfortable temperature level while avoiding an increase in energy costs.
Change the Air Filters
Change old air filters regularly to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. While some thermostats do offer reminders when in need of a filter change, others don’t. So you’ll have to use your common sense when it comes to the frequency at which you change the filters, but a good rule of thumb is to not wait longer than six months at a time.
Be Careful with Ice
If you find large ice blocks or sheets surrounding the HVAC system during the winter, call a professional immediately and refrain from employing any DIY hacks like pouring boiling water on it, as that may lead to severe damage.
Maintain the Landscape Around Outdoor Units
Make sure that there’s a distance of at least 3 feet between outdoor plants, trees, shrubs and the outdoor HVAC unit, and avoid having any obstruction in front of these units so that there’s always a clear space for the air to flow.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
It’s absolutely critical to hire a professional air conditioning Phoenix, AZ service to maintain your cooling and heating units on an annual basis, preferably in the spring or fall when the weather is still mild and easier to work in.
Clean the Ductwork
Persistent dust, a moldy smell, too much humidity, uneven temperatures and constantly hiking energy bills are all signs of compromised ductwork, which in turn compromises the performance of the HVAC system. Luckily, you can fix this problem by hiring a professional who will come in to inspect and clean the ductwork efficiently.