Once I purchased my first home, I realized that I needed to do my part in caring for my home appliances. In addition to reading the user manuals for my kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art plumbing system, I realized that I also needed to do a little research about HVAC. Because I had no experience with HVAC systems, I called out a professional to teach me a thing or two. It was fascinating to talk with him, and I was able to take notes about all kinds of important topics, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and even shopping for a new system. This blog is all about understanding HVAC guidelines.
Understanding HVAC Guidelines
First Time Homeowner? How To Care For Your Air Conditioner
Marilou Girard
If you are a new homeowner, you may feel overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities that come with this new title. Learning how to care and maintain your home is crucial and can save you a lot of money. Caring for the systems in your home is a great way to ensure they keep working and last longer between repairs or replacement. Owning a home is a large investment and you should be willing to work hard to keep that investment safe! Here are three things you regularly do to care for your air conditioner:
Change The Filter
Your air conditioner helps to cool your home by circulating air. When the filters they use are dirty, it's due to all the dust, dander, and other particles that get caught in it as the air passes through. Read the manual for your unit to see how often they recommend you change the filter. Order the right size filter or consider a subscription service that has them regularly shipped to your home! Air filter locations will vary on the type of system you have. If you have a large return vent you will locate it on a ceiling or wall somewhere in the center of the home. All you need to do is unscrew it, take out the old filter, and put in the new filter properly by following the directions on the filter. If your home has an air handler, the location of the filter will be closer to the actual unit. You can always look up the model number on your air conditioner and search for help with videos or pictures online.
Clean Debris From The Unit
You can spray down the AC unit that is located on the outside of your home. Before you begin you need to shut off the unit completely. Leaves, dirt, and dust can clog the spaces your AC needs to pull air through like an air filter. Using the normal spray from a garden hose you can help dislodge these things and help air pass more freely. You can also try using some compressed air to get some of the harder to reach areas.
Regular Check-Ups
Consider using an HVAC contractor to do an air conditioning check up on your home once a year. Doing this kind of maintenance can help you avoid really big repairs or catch issues before you are in the middle of a heatwave. Summer months are notorious for longer appointment wait times for AC service providers. You can pay less and get quick service doing an AC check-up before summer hits.
Take good care of your air conditioner and it can last you a long time. Call an HVAC contractor if you have any issues with your system. Learning how to take care of your home can be satisfying and help you protect your investment!
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