How to Keep Your HVAC System in Good Shape
Hvac Lexington system is a critical component of your home. It keeps your energy bills low and provides healthy indoor air quality.
Neglected systems can develop minor issues that escalate into major repair problems. These issues often appear on the hottest or coldest day of the year.
When leaves and other debris fall into your outdoor HVAC unit, it can disrupt airflow and cause performance problems. If these problems are left unchecked, they can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Fortunately, regular cleaning and maintenance can minimize the debris that blows around and through your yard.
Your HVAC system relies on good airflow to keep you cool, so your outdoor unit must have a clear path of airflow. This is especially true for the air conditioner. If you have large trees near your home, they can easily drop leaves and other debris onto the unit or blow them into it. Raking and leaf blowing help to reduce the problem, but the best thing you can do is regularly check the area surrounding your outdoor unit.
You should also periodically clean the walls of your outdoor unit. These walls are designed to prevent debris from entering the unit but can get dirty over time. Simply rinsing the walls with water can clean them without damaging them. If you want to go the extra mile, there are covers that allow you to place a fine mesh over your unit so that only air passes through it.
Another problem that can develop with your outdoor unit is a buildup of dirt and grime on the fan blades and other parts of the unit. This can inhibit the efficiency of your hvac system and cause it to work harder than necessary to cool your home.
Debris in the Outdoor Unit Can Cause Other Problems
The dirt and debris that accumulates on your hvac system can block important components like the compressor. This can prevent your hvac system from working as it should, leading to higher energy bills and poor indoor comfort.
To prevent this from happening, make sure that there are no debris or plants growing in or around the outdoor unit. Keep a 2-foot radius around the unit free of grass, weeds, plants, and other things that could interfere with airflow. It’s also a good idea to prune bushes and other large plants that are growing around your outdoor unit so that they don’t create additional debris.
Clogged Drain Line
Clogged drain lines can have serious consequences for your home’s air conditioning. The drain line carries condensation from your indoor air handler to the exterior condenser unit, and a clog can cause water damage, mildew and mold growth, and reduced cooling performance. You can try to clear a drain line clog using DIY methods, but if you have trouble with repeated clogs or significant moisture problems in your home, it’s time to call an HVAC professional for help.
Like the drains in your toilets, bathtubs, and sinks, the drain line in your hvac system can become blocked by hair, soap scum, food waste, and other debris. Clogged drain lines often occur when these materials build up over time and restrict the flow of waste into the pipes, making them hard to clean. Another common culprit is mineral deposits from hard water, which can coat the inside of the drain pipe, reducing its diameter and slowing drainage. In some older systems, scale buildup can even cause the pipe to break down completely.
If you notice that one of your drains is slow to drain, the first thing to do is shut off the water to that fixture. This will prevent accidental water usage, which could make the clog worse. You can also try plunging the affected drain. Whether you’re dealing with a toilet, tub, or sink, a good plunger can usually shake loose a blockage and allow the drain to function normally again.
You can also try a drain snake, which is similar to the plumbers’ snake that you might use in your kitchen sink. If you’re able to successfully unclog the drain with this method, the black mass of gunk that loosened should appear in your drain. However, if the clog persists, or you see visible algae or mold in your drain line, it’s time to call an HVAC technician.
A clogged sewer line is much more dangerous than a clogged drain in your house, because it can prevent the proper flow of wastewater and air out of your home. Since the sewer line connects your home to the city’s mainline, a backup can also cause raw sewage to flow back into household drains and flood bathrooms. You can check for a sewer line clog by looking for standing water in your yard and noticing a foul odor.
Dirty Vents
When dust and debris build up around air vents, it is a sign that the ductwork requires cleaning. This is because as air circulates through the ductwork, it picks up any particles trapped within, and recirculates them throughout the house.
The simplest way to check for dirty vents is to open one and look inside. If you see flakes of pet hair, dander or dirt stuck to the vent blades or edges, it is time for a professional cleaning. A thorough cleaning should also include the air ducts and motors.
Dirty air ducts also restrict HVAC system efficiency. If they are dirty, the heat exchangers cannot warm the air properly in the winter, and the condensing coils cannot cool it quickly in the summer. As a result, the HVAC system must work harder to do its job, and your monthly utility bills will rise.
Another sign of dirty vents is when you notice an unpleasant odor in your home. This is a sign that there is mold or mildew growing in the ductwork. This is a serious health hazard, and it is best to contact a qualified technician for help.
If your family members have pulmonary health issues, like asthma or allergies, dirty air ducts are likely to worsen their symptoms. If your family suffers from these conditions, it is essential to prioritize the cleaning of the ductwork and make regular HVAC preseason maintenance.
Keeping your home clean can make all the difference when it comes to your quality of life. The most effective way to reduce the amount of dirt and dust that recirculates throughout your home is to schedule regular HVAC cleanings with a local company. With regular cleanings, your vents and ductwork will stay cleaner longer, and you can enjoy a more comfortable, healthy home. Enter your zip code to get matched with top-rated pros near you!
Dirty Thermostat
When a thermostat is dirty, it can interfere with communication signals between the device and your heating system. This can lead to inaccurate display temperatures, reduced efficiency, and even equipment failure. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or brush helps ensure that your thermostat is able to send clear signals. You may also want to consider changing its location in the home. If it is located in an area that is prone to direct sunlight or drafts from doors and windows, it can be difficult for the thermostat to read indoor temperatures accurately.
In some cases, a thermostat that has become unresponsive can be revived simply by replacing the batteries. If the unit is powered by AA or 9-volt batteries, consult the user manual for guidance on removal and replacement. Be sure to replace the old batteries with fresh ones that match the unit’s recommended specifications. Also, be sure to close the battery cover securely.
If your thermostat is still not responding, it is possible that the circuit breaker for the HVAC system has tripped. Locate the breaker in your electrical panel and reset it by switching it to “on.” It is also worth noting that the sensor on the thermostat could be causing the unit to continuously run, leading to overheating or power drain. Consult your user manual for guidance on locating the sensor and ensuring that it is unobstructed, clean and in working condition.
Another cause of a thermostat that constantly runs is if it’s set to “heat” in the winter and “cool” in the summer. It is also important to confirm that the system is properly sized for your home and that all air vents are open and functioning.
A thermostat that continually runs can be a sign of improper wiring, bad connections or a damaged thermostat sensor. It is always wise to have a professional HVAC technician conduct an inspection of your system and make any necessary repairs. Ignoring thermostat problems for too long can inflict progressive and expensive damage on your system. Proactive homeowners understand that addressing thermostat issues promptly is a smart investment in the health of their heating and cooling systems.