Guide: How To Clean Your HVAC System
Although cleaning up your house and belongings is essential to creating a clean, inviting living environment, it’s likely that you have overlooked one of the most important devices in your house: the HVAC system. If you’re planning on keeping your heating and cooling system running smoothly for many years, it’s essential to be sure that the system is getting cleaned on a regular basis. Follow these handy tips for keeping your HVAC in good shape all year round.
Filter Replacement
One of the most important things you can do to help your HVAC system run longer is to regularly clean or replace its filters. These filters are crucial in keeping air moving throughout your ducts, so if they get clogged, they can force your HVAC to overwork itself, which reduces the efficiency and lifespan of this equipment.
Outdoor Unit Cleaning
Keeping dirt, twigs, dead leaves, and other debris away from the condenser coils can help it run more efficiently—and prolong its life. To keep your system running smoothly during the warmer months, take a few minutes to clean around the outside of the unit with a garden hose and remove any blockages from the case or filter. Then, make sure the power is turned off, and use another hose to wash the coils.
Inspect Registers and Air Vents
It is necessary to keep your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system’s vents and registers clean. If you have pets and children, there is the added danger of their hair and lint becoming lodged in these elements, preventing airflow, which can damage your HVAC system. Regularly using the hose attachment on the vacuum cleaner to remove dust buildup in these features will help keep your HVAC system’s performance high.
Cleaning Air Ducts
Give your ducts a thorough cleaning. Cleaning the ducts keeps them from clogging and allows air to flow freely through your house. These passages also provide an ideal environment for dust mites and other tiny creatures, so it’s good to get rid of them once in a while.
Furnace Filter Replacement
After you’ve had your air ducts cleaned, be sure to replace the old clogged filter with a new one. You can ask your service provider for help finding the right replacement filter or refer to your owner’s manual for instructions.
