Spring is almost here. This season brings milder temperatures, which means your HVAC system can finally get some rest after a season of high-caliber performance. You may not need to run your unit as much, but that doesn’t negate the need for regular maintenance. This is a great time to give your furnace some tender loving care before it sits down for the off-season. On the other hand, you’re going to need your heat pump or air conditioner in the weeks to come, so doing some maintenance work is the right thing to do.
When your HVAC system is properly maintained, you can expect optimum performance, greater comfort, and more importantly, peace of mind. Regular maintenance also avoids serious damage, frequent repairs, and premature system failure.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your friendly HVAC company in Roseville MN that offers high-quality HVAC maintenance services. Here are important maintenance steps to consider to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape.
Be on top of your air filters.
Your unit’s filter catches pollutants and keeps them from circulating throughout your home. It also helps the internal components of your system to have sufficient airflow. Therefore, you should pay close attention to your filter’s condition. When it is clogged, the system’s performance is compromised and your home will suffer from poor indoor air quality. Too much dirt and debris on the filter can cause your HVAC system to shut down unnecessarily.
By changing your filters at least once per month, you can help minimize your HVAC usage, improve your home’s indoor air quality, and prevent airborne contaminants from being spread throughout your home. Also, the regular replacement of filters helps extend your unit’s lifespan.
It is highly recommended to invest in better air filters such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which effectively traps nearly every airborne contaminant. This is important, especially if you have household pets, children, the elderly, or family members with preexisting medical conditions.
Clean the coils.
The outside unit of your HVAC system collects different kinds of particles. When it gets clogged, your air conditioner’s performance is diminished. That is why you should take some time to clean the condenser coils, which collects the warm air from your home, cools it, and sends it back to your home as cold air. To clean the coils, simply use a garden hose and a good cleaning agent.
In addition to cleaning the coils, make sure you give the outside unit enough room to breathe. Remove any debris or foliage from the unit. Trim back any bush or tree at least two feet from the system. This will keep debris from getting into the coil and ensure sufficient airflow.
For a thorough cleaning of the coils, call your preferred HVAC company and schedule a preventive maintenance check. Coil cleaning is a part of the maintenance agreement, and a qualified technician is best equipped to perform this task.
Inspect your duct network.
If you have a central unit, your HVAC system transports heated or cooled air through a network of ducts. Over time, these ducts collect dust and debris, which can hamper the system’s airflow.
Cleaning your ducts is important to the overall performance of your HVAC system as well as your home comfort in general. It helps improve your indoor air quality by getting rid of pollutants like soot, bacteria, pollen, spores, dander, etc.
Another benefit of duct cleaning is that it helps minimize your heating and cooling costs. If neglected, your ducts can deteriorate and lose anywhere from 30-40 percent of heated or cooled air (source: Department of Energy). Identifying leaks and sealing them off saves on energy usage, gets rid of contaminants, and gives you a more comfortable home.
Entrust your duct cleaning needs to a professional, as it requires special tools and equipment. Also, if you discover any cracks or leaks in the duct network, the qualified technician will seal it off.
Top-Notch HVAC Maintenance with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
If you need help keeping your HVAC system in great shape, be sure to give us a call. Our teams of experts are more than happy to help you maintain your HVAC equipment and ensure optimum performance. We are your reliable New Brighton heating and air conditioning company.