The hot, humid summers of Milton, FL and the surrounding area require efficient, reliable air conditioning for indoor comfort. One of the best ways to keep your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system working efficiently is to regularly maintain the system. Many tasks are best left to an HVAC professional. However, there are things that a homeowner can do to maintain the unit.
Clean or Replace the Filter
Keeping the filter clean is one of the most important AC maintenance tasks that a homeowner can do. Filters trap dust and other particulates and keep them from entering the system. Clogged filters block airflow. Air must flow over the coils to help keep them cool. If coils are coated with dust or grime, the heat exchange properties are affected, and efficiency is reduced. Cleaning the filter regularly can reduce energy usage by between 5 and 15 percent.
Filters should be cleaned at least twice a year, once before the furnace is turned on for the first time in the fall and once before the air conditioner is turned on in the spring. If you live in a dusty area or use your AC continuously, more frequent cleaning is recommended. Some filters can be cleaned; however, other types must be replaced.
Standard HVAC filters do not contribute significantly to indoor air quality. They are designed to keep large particulates from entering the system. If you would like to install a more efficient filter, check with your system or call us to ask which filter will work best with your unit. Some high-efficiency filters affect airflow, which makes the compressor work harder, and shouldn’t be used.
Keep the Outdoor Housing Clean
Homeowners can check the outdoor component of a split system. Usually condenser coils are installed within a housing situated on a concrete pad outdoors. Over time, the housing may become soiled with leaf litter, grass, and other debris. If this material accumulates on the condenser inside the housing, the coils will become coated with grime. This affects efficiency.
Trim grass and other vegetation around the housing regularly. Gently hose the exterior to remove grime and leaves. The mechanical unit includes delicate fins that help air flow through the system. Although homeowners can clean fins with a special tool, this task may be better left to an HVAC professional to avoid damaging the fins.
Have Seasonal Tune-Ups for Your Milton, FL HVAC System
HVAC equipment manufacturers recommend having regular tune-ups by an HVAC professional. Tune-ups examine all elements of the system so that any problems are identified early. In addition, seasonal maintenance improves efficiency, which saves fuel and money. By running more efficiently, HVAC systems experience fewer breakdowns. This prolongs the life of the unit.
Tune-ups examine all elements of a system:
- Clean condenser and evaporator coils
- Check refrigerant levels
- Clean drip pan and condensate lines
- Check electrical connections and wiring
- Calibrate thermostat
- Clean or replace air filter
- Check housing for damage or rust
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Ensure unit cycles on and off properly
- Check ignition and burners on gas or oil furnaces
Repair Leaking Ducts
Ask the contractor to check ducts. Leaking ducts lose up to 30 percent of conditioned air before it reaches the living space. Repairing ducts improves efficiency, reduces energy usage and provides a more comfortable living space.
Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating AC Maintenance Solutions
Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating has served the Milton area of the Florida panhandle since 1981. We install, and service all makes and models of HVAC equipment, but specialize in Carrier and heating and cooling systems. As a Carrier Comfort Specialist, we must continue to meet stringent technological and customer service requirements to keep this designation. We are proud of our reputation as an honest and ethical family-owned company.
We provide preventive maintenance services for both residential and commercial Milton, FL, properties to ensure year-round comfort and efficient operation. To find out more about how to maintain your HVAC system for optimal performance, call 850-203-3200 and speak to one of our technicians about your indoor comfort needs.
