>Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. By scheduling a tune-up every 12 to 18 months, you can extend the life of your HVAC system by up to 50 percent. A tune-up consists of cleaning and inspecting all of the components in your HVAC system, including the air filter, condensate pump, evaporator coil, and ductwork. A tune-up can also include replacing worn parts such as fuses and thermostat if needed. A tune-up doesn't have to be a huge ordeal; it can be as simple as shutting off the breaker for a few minutes and cleaning out the system. If you have kids or pets, keep them away from the area during the tune-up. If you have a large dog, make sure he or she doesn’t try to eat the cleaning brush!
Why is a tune-up important?
A tune-up is the most important maintenance your HVAC system receives all year long. A tune-up removes build-up and debris from the system, inspects all components, and ensures they are in good working order. There are a number of benefits to having a regular tune-up performed on your HVAC system, including:
- Increased efficiency - Regular maintenance can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by 5 to 10 percent. This can save you money on your monthly heating and cooling bills.
- Reduced energy bills - By keeping your HVAC system running at its peak efficiency, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 10 percent. This can save you hundreds each year.
- Reduced wear and tear - By cleaning out debris and build-up, a tune-up will extend the life of your HVAC system. This can save you time and money in the long run.
How to perform a tune-up on your HVAC system
To perform a tune-up on your HVAC system, turn the power off at the main electrical panel. Once the power has been shut off, you can safely access the HVAC system and perform the tune-up. It’s best to perform a tune-up in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and you can avoid sweating while cleaning. If you have a large roof, a ladder may not be a great option. In that case, you can also perform a water-freeze-down. You can do this by lowering a bucket full of water into the evaporator coil. This will help you see the inside of the system and can be performed either indoors or outdoors. Here are some tips to make your tune-up go smoothly:
- Make sure to disconnect the condenser fan motor from the fan shaft. This is necessary to avoid damaging the fan when you are cleaning the condenser coil.
- Be sure to clean out the condensate pan. This is where the water from the air condenses and is collected. It is important to clean out the pan to avoid bacteria and mold growth.
- Make sure to clean out the air filter. This is where dust, dirt, and other particles in the air are caught. Having a dirty air filter can decrease your system’s efficiency, so it’s important to clean it regularly.
- Clean out the evaporator coil. This is the large metal tube inside the house where the refrigerant flows. If there is debris or build-up, it can cause the system to lose efficiency and may even cause it to break.
- Clean out the ductwork. This is where you can see the inside of the HVAC system. Make sure to clean out the ductwork to remove dust, dirt, and other debris.
Should you have a professional perform a tune-up?
While you can perform a tune-up on your HVAC system, there are some things you should never do yourself. For example, you should never clean out the evaporator coil with chemicals or solvents. Doing so can cause serious damage to your system and should be left to a professional. You should also never clean the condensate pan with chemicals. Doing so can cause serious damage to the system and should be left to a professional. If you feel comfortable cleaning out the condenser fan and air filter, you can do so. However, you should be careful not to bend or kink the fan blade. These items should be left to a professional to avoid serious damage to your system.
Bottom line
A tune-up is an important maintenance your HVAC system receives all year long. A tune-up removes build-up and debris from the system, inspects all components, and ensures they are in good working order. There are a number of benefits to having a regular tune-up performed on your HVAC system, including increased efficiency, reduced energy bills, and reduced wear and tear.