Its Time to Turn Those A/Cs On

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

A blocked HVAC drain pipe can go un-noticed for an extended period of time resulting in significant and expensive water damage to your home

With the weather turning hot, many of you will be turning on your air-conditioner. Before you do, you should check your HVAC drain line to be sure it is clear of debris and will drain properly – otherwise you may find yourself in need of SERVPRO of Texarkana’s Water Damage Restoration Services.

Here are even more do-it-yourself tips you need to know to keep your HVAC system healthy:

• Check and replace your air filters often.

The most important thing you can do at home is inspect your air filter. Dirty air filters make your HVAC system less efficient and cause undue strain on its working parts.

Set a reminder each month to check your air filter and replace it if it is dirty or clogged. While the general rule is to change your filter every 30 to 90 days, it may need to be replaced more often if you have pets or open your windows often.

Another thing to consider is purchasing a new high-efficiency pleated air filter. The folds in these filters trap more small particles than traditional filters, keeping your system clean and your family healthy.

• Keep your AC and heating systems free of debris.

If you have an outdoor unit, it is important to keep the system free of debris. Check your unit every week or so for leaves, pollen, dirt, sticks or other debris. Clear the debris from the top and sides of the system using gloves and, if necessary, a hose. This allows for maximum airflow to the fan and increases your unit’s efficiency and lifespan.

In order to ensure the cleanest system possible, try to remove anything that blocks air flow to the system, leaving about two feet of space around the unit.

• Clean your registers

Try to keep your registers and ducts clean of dust and debris. Be sure to wipe down your registers as often as possible to keep dust and debris out of your system.

• Give your humidifier a vacation.

In order to give your system a rest in the summer, turn off your furnace humidifier’s water supply. When the cooler months approach, replace the water panel (also know as humidifier pad), set the relative humidity between 35 and 45 percent, and turn the water supply to the furnace humidifier back on.

• Listen for unusual noises.

One more passive things you can do is to keep an ear open for odd noises when your system is running. Often times, noises in your system are created by register blockages, debris in the vents, or loose bolts on the furnace or registers.

Keep in mind that your HVAC system is exactly that — a system. As it works, it will make noise. Hearing the motor running or humming, as wells as the fans blowing or air moving through the vents, is totally normal. However, unnatural sounds like rattling, hissing or clanking, or the sounds becoming loud enough to be disruptive, can be signs of problems; and you should consider calling a professional HVAC technician to take a look before the system goes out.

• Use fans to give your system a break.

Another passive way to keep your system healthy is to use fans when possible to give your system a break.

On hot summer days, use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air through the house and help your HVAC system bring the temperature in your home down quicker.

On cooler days, instead of programming your thermostat, open your windows and turn on your fans to circulate the cool air into the house and keep temperatures comfortable.

Giving your system a break when you can will lengthen the life of equipment and save you money on your energy bills.