HVAC Care for Homeowners
Your heating and cooling system stands as the largest and most significant appliance in your home. Much like a car, it requires meticulous maintenance, and many aspects are best handled by professionals equipped with the right tools, such as those at Atlanta Air Authority.
However, there are essential maintenance tasks that homeowners can undertake, forming a fundamental list for HVAC system care that could ultimately save you time, money, and stress.
The crucial first step is engaging a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system at least twice a year. This involves a cooling inspection for the refrigeration cycle and a heating inspection for the heating equipment. Explore Atlanta Air Authority’s maintenance plan for comprehensive coverage. If you’ve recently invested in a new system, it’s worth checking if there are warranty requirements tied to a maintenance plan, with a documented history of maintenance stored in our system.
During a professional technician’s visit, a thorough examination and safety checks are performed to ensure your system operates at peak performance. Often, potential issues are identified and addressed before they escalate, minimizing downtime. The replacement of small yet vital parts is a routine occurrence, so don’t be alarmed if your system requires occasional maintenance. Keeping up with these measures ensures the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system.
Shrubbery and Plants
Avoid planting shrubbery in close proximity to your outdoor HVAC equipment. If shrubbery is already present and removal is not an option, it’s crucial to maintain it meticulously. Trim the shrubbery and ensure it is at least 6 inches away from the equipment to prevent leaves from being drawn onto the outdoor coil.
The condenser coils of your HVAC system require adequate airflow to function optimally. The fan blade plays a vital role in pulling air through the coils, facilitating the cooling of the refrigerant and releasing hot air upwards. This temperature exchange is fundamental to the operation of central air conditioning. When airflow is obstructed, the refrigerant may struggle to change states, leading to disruptions in system pressures. Such issues can result in significant and costly repairs, including compressor failure, refrigerant line leaks, fan motor failure, and more. It’s noteworthy that treating your system in this manner may lead to warranty denials by the manufacturer, especially on a new system.
Notably, most HVAC companies do not carry lawn care equipment on their service trucks. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that the area around the outdoor unit is clear from any obstacles that may impede airflow.
Understanding the significance of unobstructed airflow is paramount for both the indoor and outdoor components of your HVAC system. By maintaining a clear space around your equipment, you contribute significantly to the overall health and longevity of your system.
What can I do?
Air Conditioners Need To Breathe
Spot Checking & Changing Filters
Regularly inspecting your filters for blockages is a crucial step in maintaining the health of your HVAC system. Filters, available in various types, should be checked consistently, even if labeled as 90-day filters. It’s advisable to inspect them at least once every month or two.
While filters contribute to purifying the air in your home, their significance extends to safeguarding your equipment from detrimental build-up that could lead to damage. Accumulated dust and dirt have the potential to disrupt the balance of essential parts and obstruct air passages.
A clogged filter diminishes airflow, forcing your system to work harder and, over time, may result in failure. Even if you have a maintenance agreement with AAA or any other company, it’s essential to visually inspect your filter regularly and replace it if clogged.
For those with “Media Filters” or wider filters designed to last up to a year, we recommend checking them at 6 months and considering a replacement at 8 months. These filters, though initially restrictive, can strain your system if any build-up occurs.
While we change your filters during a maintenance visit, it’s crucial not to wait for AAA or any other company to inspect or replace your filters. Regular checks and timely replacements are key to ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your HVAC system.
What about the outdoor unit?
While most maintenance tasks for outdoor HVAC units should be entrusted to qualified technicians, there are a few simple measures homeowners can take to enhance their unit’s performance.
As mentioned earlier, maintaining a clear space around the condenser by removing brush and plants is crucial for the overall health of your HVAC system.
If you plan to construct a structure near your outdoor unit, ensure it has ample room to breathe on all sides, including the top. Allowing 2-3 feet of space for air to escape is vital if you build a structure over the condenser. Blocking the hot air can lead to the continuous elevation of coil temperature, hindering proper refrigerant condensation.
Avoid building decking closely over the unit to ensure unobstructed airflow.
For homes with a dryer vent in proximity to the condenser, periodic checks are essential to prevent excessive lint from being drawn into the coil fins. While we include water spraying during maintenance visits, severe build-up may necessitate a chemical coil cleaning at an additional cost.
Homeowners can proactively use a water hose to spray their outdoor unit, but we advise against using chemicals, as the metals in the unit are sensitive. Improper use of chemicals can lead to rapid metal deterioration.
If improvement isn’t observed or you desire a chemical cleaning, feel free to reach out to us, and a technician can perform this service correctly.
Explore Atlanta Air Authority’s Maintenance Programs for comprehensive coverage, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. For more information, refer to EnergyStar.gov and check your manufacturer’s website for additional maintenance tips.
Call 678-215-6789
Do not build over or around your out door AC, leave at leat 2 feet from any structure to be safe
Check your dryer vent near the AC
Spray water on the outdoor unit
Renovating? Power Down Your HVAC for Optimal Results!
During home remodeling, drywall repairs, or painting projects, it is strongly advised to refrain from running your HVAC system. These activities often generate dust, debris, and particulate matter that can compromise the system’s efficiency and air quality. The fine particles produced during such tasks can clog air filters, diminish airflow, and potentially cause damage to the system components.
To mitigate the impact on your HVAC system, consider taking the following measures:
Temporary Shutdown: Temporarily turn off your HVAC system during the remodeling or painting process to prevent the circulation of airborne particles throughout your home.
Invest in Additional Filters: Purchase additional air filters and keep them on hand. The increased dust and debris generated during renovations may require more frequent filter changes to maintain optimal system performance.
Regular Monitoring: Periodically check and change the filters to prevent clogging and maintain proper airflow. This is especially important in environments with ongoing renovations.
By taking these precautions, you not only protect your HVAC system from potential damage but also ensure the air circulating in your home remains clean and healthy. Remember, a little extra care during renovation projects can go a long way in preserving the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system.
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