Each season we make different demands of our HVAC systems. To keep the system running at its optimum, it’s important that we follow certain HVAC tips that maintain the system so it continues to work properly. You’ll still want to have your system serviced by a professional occasionally, but with your help his visits will be less expensive and your system will work better for longer.
Start by placing your outdoor compressor unit in a shaded area. The cooler air will be easier for your unit to cool. Next, clean or replace your filters monthly. Before the cooling season, clean the fan blades and coils. After disconnecting the power, remove the fan blades and the fan grill. Brush the dirt from the blades. Once inside uncover the condenser coils and brush away any dirt that’s accumulated. Remove any dirt that has accumulated on the base pan and lastly, cover the motor other components with plastic and hose the entire condenser with water to clean from the inside out.
• If the condenser fan blade becomes bent, do not attempt to straighten it, replace it with a new blade.
• If the fan blades are loose or wobbly, apply a drop of thread-locking compound.
• Lubricate the fan motor at its oil ports each year with no more than ten drops of non-detergent SAE 20 oil.
• Clean the evaporator coils by removing the front cover, which will expose them for easier reach. Vacuum them free of dust and dirt and straighten them if they are bent using a fin comb.
• Clean the evaporator drain by removing the tape on the pipe leading to the trap. Flush the trap with one tablespoon of bleach and water and reattach the pipe to the trap with new tape.
• Keep a two foot clearing free of growing things all around your condenser to prevent vegetation from getting caught in the unit.
• When moving your lawn, aim grassing clippings away from the condenser unit.
• Don’t operate the unit when it gets below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, to keep from damaging the compressor.
• Cover the unit with a form-fitting cover in the winter months.
Follow these simple HVAC tips seasonally, and your unit should continue to function at its optimum for years. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to call us for all your heating and air conditioning needs.
