HVAC heating and cooling systems are complex but can run smoothly for many years without the need for replacement as long as they are regularly maintained and professionally serviced. Keeping your HVAC running smoothly is critical to maintaining a comfortable home temperature, but it’s also vital to protecting the quality of the air you breathe. When your HVAC unit runs as it should, your wallet will benefit too, with heating and cooling bills reflecting that energy-efficient functionality.
While smooth HVAC operation begins with proper system installation, you as a homeowner can help keep things in good working order. Check out our list of tips to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. If you have any questions, our team of experts at Mountain Heating and Cooling is always here to help—just drop us a line!
3 HVAC System Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
1. Change your filters regularly
Changing your HVAC filters is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your air clean and your HVAC heating and cooling running efficiently. Air filters are designed to clear out any allergens, smoke or dust particles, and other undesirable debris from the air circulating inside your home. When filters become clogged or dirty, the HVAC unit or air conditioner may have to work harder to move air. This wears down parts more quickly and can lead to easily-avoidable repairs.
Air filter replacement is simple and should be done every 30-90 days or whenever you notice the filters getting dirty. Filters need replacement more often during peak winter and summer months when your unit is working the hardest to regulate the indoor air temperature. Air filters may also need replacing more often during wildfire season when air quality is at its lowest. High-quality air filters last longer than cheaper ones and do a better job cleaning the air.
If you need a hand replacing your HVAC system’s air filters, schedule an appointment with our team of Bozeman heating and cooling specialists today.
2. Clear the area around your outdoor unit
Part of an HVAC heating and cooling system is an outdoor AC unit component. This outdoor component contains condenser coils, compressors, and a fan. Check your outdoor air conditioner unit to make sure the top, sides, and surrounding space around the unit are clear and free from leaves, twigs, plants, or other debris. You should also look for grass or weeds that might impact the unit’s operations and remove them immediately. By removing buildup that could disrupt air intake, the system will function better with less effort. This important preventative step helps your system run longer without having to service the air conditioner.
3. Clean the evaporator coil and condenser
Your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils should be cleaned yearly as part of general maintenance. Regular cleanings help remove buildup and debris that can cause your system to run less efficiently and waste valuable air and energy. If you are not confident with removing and cleaning these parts of your air conditioner yourself (plus putting everything back together again), reach out to us to schedule an appointment. Cleaning these parts and others can be easily done as part of the seasonal service air conditioners need to run smoothly year-round.
While there are steps you, as a homeowner, can take to ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly, many times it takes an expert’s level of training and experience to ensure your home’s heating and cooling system is functioning as it should. As professionals, our Bozeman HVAC team has over 40 years of combined experience in the field of air conditioner maintenance, replacement, troubleshooting, and repair. Our services include but are not limited to the following:
- Inspecting the filters, fan, motor, blower, and all other components of an air conditioner to ensure they are in excellent working order.
- Checking the vents, air ducts, drain line, evaporator coil, and condenser for potential issues.
- Testing the operational temperature of your HVAC heating and cooling units.
- Checking the liquid levels of coolants and refrigerants.
Regular, professional maintenance is essential for a comfortable home temperature and clean air. It can help avoid the need for air conditioner replacement, which is often timely and costly if you aren’t prepared.
Is My HVAC Heating and Cooling System Malfunctioning? Common Signs to Look for.
A struggling system might be most noticeable during a hot, smoky summer or frigid winter, but it’s best to keep an eye on your HVAC year-round.
System malfunctions might show up in the following symptoms:
- A sudden spike in your energy bill.
- Vents that barely blow air.
- An air conditioning unit that blows hot air instead of cold, or a furnace that blows cold instead of hot.
- Loud or unusual noises coming from the AC or HVAC.
- Ice on the compressor.
If your system shows any of the above signs, it might need professional attention. Our highly-trained professionals only deliver the best of the best work and provide insight you can trust, keeping your home air at a pleasant temperature no matter what the outside weather is doing. We’re able to quickly diagnose and repair problems to keep your HVAC serviced and running smoothly for years to come.
Need a Bozeman HVAC Expert’s Opinion? We’re Here to Help
We treat your home like our own, in that we go above and beyond to ensure every component of your HVAC system is running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. We value your and your loved one’s comfort, so we take the time to understand your home’s HVAC system to provide educated recommendations, quality services, and top-notch customer service. If your HVAC system needs some TLC or a regular checkup, schedule an appointment with Mountain Heating and Cooling today.