Basic Monthly HVAC Maintenance Tips to Prevent Costly Repairs

Did you know that taking on a few simple jobs a month attending to your HVAC system can save you money in a number of ways?

If you aren’t overly handy, you might be daunted by the thought of tackling home maintenance. Rest assure that these jobs are easy to do, even for the most reluctant handyman (or handywoman).

And when you consider the considerable cost savings that you can generate by committing to a once-a-month to-do list, the reasons are compelling to jump into action.
Ready to get started? Here is what you need to know.

Cross off Annual Maintenance

While a professional tune-up really only needs to be done once a year, take advantage of the pre-summer season to get your unit up to speed for the steamy days ahead.

You’ll have peace of mind because you know that your unit won’t break down when you need it most.

Similarly, as the temperatures soar, you’ll be turning the A/C up to high, which can get costly.

Getting your HVAC serviced means that all the parts will be cleaned and inspected, insuring that they are working at their best.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the cost savings.

Outdoor Debris Clearing

When maintaining your HVAC, don’t neglect your outdoor condenser. Don’t store garden equipment or other items that might interfere with its operation.

Clean out any debris that may have blown inside the unit by removing the fan cage on the top and vacuuming out the interior.

Some models have parts that require lubrication with a small amount of motor oil.

In many of the newer models, these same components are enclosed, so you can’t get at them. Consult your owner’s manual to be sure.

Get to work cleaning off the fins from any dust and dirt that Mother Nature has thrown its way. The best tool to do this with is your garden hose.

Another thing to double check is if your unit is level. It has to be on level ground to work properly.

Often over the winter, the ground settles, so your unit could be off kilter. You can level it out by building it up with gravel or laying additional cement slabs.

Attend to the Air Filter

Remove the filter from the HVAC unit and visually inspect for damage.

If you want to extend its life for another month (it is recommended that you change it at least once a season) then wipe the dirt off gently with a damp cloth.

When you are ready to replace it with a new one, bring the old filter to the store with you to make sure that you buy the right size.

For extra energy cost savings, pick a filter with a high MERV rating, which measures its energy efficiency.