Ben's HVAC & Air Condition Repair
8313 Southwest Fwy Suite 220A, Houston, TX 77074, USA
(713) 682-9009
As the warm weather approaches, it becomes time to think about the maintenance of your air conditioning system. HVAC systems are a major investment, so it is important to do everything you can to keep them healthy. Here are three inexpensive things you can do to keep your air conditioning repair costs low this summer:
Always Clean or Replace Your Filters
One way to keep your air conditioning repair costs down is by simply replacing your air filters regularly. If you have a reusable filter, you should make sure you clean it regularly. Air filters are very inexpensive, and yet they can save you a lot of money on your HVAC maintenance. Ideally, you should service your filters at least every three months. However, if you live in a dusty climate or have indoor pets, you may want to change them more often since the level of dust and dander is increased. Not taking this simple step can prevent your unit from running efficiently and eventually lead to costly repairs.
Keep the Area Around Your Condenser Clean
The outside unit is a crucial component of your HVAC unit, and it is important to keep the areas around it free of any debris or growth that could damage it. Make sure there is no garbage that could get sucked into the coils or in the fan blades. Make sure the grass is trimmed and the hedges are clipped to keep leaves and grass from getting in the way of the airflow that the condenser needs to operate properly. In addition, make sure you keep any toys or other items for your children away from the area so they are not enticed to play near the unit.
Don't Block Off All Rooms
A common misconception is that closing off vents to the rooms you do not use often is a great way to increase airflow to other rooms in the house. While this can help with some of your air flow issues, you are taking a chance of damaging your system. By closing off other vents, the air is forced into directions it was not meant to go, putting extra pressure on the duct work. This could cause costly leaks or tears in the ducting if you do this too often.
Make Sure You Insulate Your Attic Well
If you haven't already insulated your attic or crawl space, have it done as soon as you can. Most HVAC systems are installed in the attic, which are already warmer than most rooms. The lack of insulation makes it even hotter, causing your air conditioner to work harder than it has to. You can insulate your attic using spray foam or traditional insulation that can be purchased at a home improvement store.
Taking these simple steps can greatly reduce the amount of air conditioning repair work you will need over the life of your system. These units are a major investment in your home, and these inexpensive options are ideal ways to keep them free of damage.
Hiring a professional air conditioning repair technician is the first step to resolving serious issues with your system. However, between major repairs and tune-ups, you can do a lot to keep your unit operating at a high level. Air filters are easily replaceable and can greatly impact how well your cooling equipment is able to perform. If you've noticed a drop off in your system's performance or you want to breathe cleaner air, replace all the current filters in your home with new ones.
Air filters are disposable and aren't meant to be permanent fixtures in your ducts. As they continue to collect dust and debris over time, their effectiveness will begin to wane. If you use your AC often, changing your filters every few months is a good idea. If you aren't sure whether you need to swap out your old filters or not, give them a quick inspection to see how dirty they are.
Try changing your filters before contacting an air conditioning repair specialist to inspect your HVAC system. Filters come in a few standard sizes that are readily available at most hardware stores. It's a great idea to buy a box, so you'll always have a replacement handy when needed. To change your filter, simply unscrew the cover and remove the old one. Make sure to handle the used filter carefully so as to not knock loose any of the collected dust and debris. After you've put in the new filter, screw the cover back into place.
Different filters have different ratings. Depending on how much filtration you want, you can buy a product that meets your exact needs. While some home and business owners only buy vents for the ducts leaving the AC, others choose to put filters on both their ducts and their return vents. Doing so will keep less dust from settling in your home or business and make cleaning a breeze. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, it's very important to change your filters regularly to ensure the healthiest possible environment.
While changing your vents can improve the performance and efficiency of your HVAC equipment, it isn't the only way. If you have an older unit that is no longer meeting your demands, have it serviced by an air conditioning repair technician. Wear and tear can take its toll on a system and make it more costly to run. When your technician arrives, have your ducts inspected to make sure there aren't any large deposits of dust. While cleaning the insides can be tricky, professional HVAC technicians have the tools and cleaning machines required.