If you have recently purchased a home that didn’t have an HVAC unit yet or had to replace an old one, you know just how much of an investment a new heating and air conditioning system is. Therefore, the number one thing you want to avoid is replacing your HVAC system. You most likely forked over around $4,000 or more – which certainly isn’t fun money to spend. We know you’d rather spend that on a week in the tropics, but having a reliable and working HVAC unit is crucial if you like to live comfortably.
When you spend a large amount of money on something, you want that investment to last as long as possible. You probably spend amounts monthly or yearly on maintenance on your car in attempts to make the investment last, and you should definitely try to do the same for your HVAC system.
The heating and air conditioning experts at AGL Air are giving a few of their favorite tips to avoid replacing your HVAC system:
Take Your HVAC’s Temperature
Similar to when you’re feeling under the weather, taking your HVAC’s temperature can tell you a lot about the health of your heating and air unit.
First, take the temperature of the air at your filter, then move on to the air coming out of a vent inside your home. Once you’ve recorded your numbers, calculate their difference to see if they are greater or less than 15 degrees apart. If your temperature varies less than 15 degrees, you might want to call out an HVAC professional to come take a look. Alternatively, if your numbers are greater than 15 degrees, your HVAC is in great shape.
Change Your Filter
We suggest changing – or at least checking – your filter every month. Leaving a filter in longer than 3 months can end up choking your heating and air conditioning system, thus leading to the need for repair or replacement of your HVAC system, which means more of your rainy day vacation fund down the drain. HVAC replacements are far more expensive than filters.
Spray Down Outdoor Coils
Spraying down your outdoor HVAC unit coils is a great way to end up saving a lot of money and prolong the life of your HVAC unit. Although it’s suggested to have a professional rinse down your coils, you can try using water to spray down coils and prevent dirt buildup on your own periodically. A light periodic spritzer can help facilitate a professional’s annual clean, which is ideal when it comes to taking care of your heating and air unit.
Pour Bleach Into Your Drain Pipe
Bleach has many cleaning purposes and actually possesses antimicrobial properties that are useful to prolonging HVAC units. Condensation can develop as your heating and air conditioning unit operates, which can lead to mold and algae. To counteract this, try pouring one cup of bleach a month in your HVAC drain pipe to prevent mold and algae from developing. Although it is not guaranteed, it could help to prevent repairs or replacement of your HVAC system.
Call the Professionals
All of the DIY tips to prolonging your HVAC system will help to upkeep your heating and air unit, however ultimately, the heating and air conditioning experts at AGL Air suggest yearly maintenance on your HVAC system from local professionals.
Professional HVAC companies know exactly what to look for when it comes to preventing future problems and possess the proper tools and knowledge to provide the correct maintenance for your system. A professional team of HVAC contractors will clean your outdoor and indoor coils to ensure your system isn’t choking, make sure that freon and Puron levels are correct, ensure all electrical motors are operating properly, and most importantly double-check that your system isn’t pulling more power than necessary and costing you more money.
If you’re interested in yearly maintenance or just a quick checkup to ensure that your HVAC is functioning properly, contact AGL Air for 24-hour phone support and more information on how they can help you prolong the life and avoid replacing your HVAC unit! Don’t forget, it’s 15% off all service repairs for maintenance and AGL never charges you overtime diagnostic rates.
