The key to a heating and cooling system that lasts a long time and operates efficiently is regular maintenance. Your HVAC unit works hard almost all year round in Wilmington, where summers are hot and winters are mild. You can save money on energy bills, keep things running smoothly, and avoid breakdowns by doing a few simple maintenance tasks. Here are some important HVAC maintenance tips just for homeowners in Wilmington, North Carolina.
1. Change your air filter often
Changing your HVAC air filter regularly is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to keep it running well. A filter that is dirty or clogged slows down the flow of air, which makes your system work harder and less efficiently. This makes energy costs go up. In Wilmington, where there is a lot of pollen in the spring and a lot of humidity in the summer, you might need to change your disposable filters as often as once a month during the busiest times. Every month, check your filter and change it if it looks dirty. This keeps the air flowing well, which is good for the air quality inside.
2. Keep the outside unit clean and clear.
Your outside AC condenser unit needs space to breathe. Be sure to get rid of any leaves, grass clippings, or other trash that is around the unit. To keep about 2 feet of space, cut back bushes or shrubs. If the condenser coils are dirty (for example, if they have pollen on them), turn off the power and rinse them off with a garden hose. Cleaning and clearing the outdoor unit will help it work properly by letting air and heat flow freely. A quick rinse every few months also helps wash off salt and keep things from rusting in coastal areas.
3. Look at the batteries and settings on your thermostat.
You might forget about your thermostat, but it only takes a few minutes of your time to keep your HVAC system running well. First, check that your thermostat is set to the right mode for the season (for example, “Cool” in the summer and “Heat” in the winter) and that the temperature is reasonable. Make sure your program or schedule is set up so that you don’t cool or heat an empty house. Change the batteries in your thermostat every year if it uses them. It’s best to change the batteries before they die because weak batteries can make the system stop working or break down.
4. Plan seasonal professional tune-ups
It’s best to let the pros handle some maintenance. A qualified technician should check and tune up your HVAC system twice a year, usually once in the spring for your AC and once in the fall for your heater. This can help you find small problems before they turn into big ones. A technician will check, clean, and make any necessary adjustments to all the important parts during a tune-up to keep everything running smoothly. This helps keep things from breaking down on the hottest summer days or the coldest winter nights in Wilmington. Many manufacturers also require yearly maintenance to keep their warranties valid. Regular tune-ups will save you money on repairs and make your system last longer.
5. Check and clean the ductwork and air vents
Take a walk around your house and check out your vents and registers. Make sure they are open and not blocked by curtains, rugs, or furniture. Every vent should have good airflow so that your HVAC system can evenly distribute air. It’s also a good idea to clean the vent grilles with a vacuum every once in a while. If you see a lot of dust building up in the supply vents or think your ducts might have leaks (for example, if some rooms never feel comfortable), you might want to have an HVAC professional check and clean the ductwork. Leaky ducts can let a lot of cooled or heated air out before it gets to your rooms. Fixing leaks and cleaning ducts makes the system work better and improves the air quality.
Wrapping Up
Wilmington homeowners can keep their heating and cooling systems running well and reliably all year long by following these maintenance tips. You can make your HVAC equipment last longer and feel better by doing simple do-it-yourself tasks like changing and cleaning the filters and having professionals check it out regularly. Air Support Heating & Air can help if you don’t feel comfortable doing some things or if it’s time for your yearly HVAC tune-up. We offer full maintenance services and low-cost maintenance plans to do the hard work for you. Our technicians know a lot about the weather in Wilmington, NC, and they will make sure your system is ready for any season.
Call Air Support Heating & Cooling today to set up a maintenance visit or to find out more about how we can help keep your HVAC system in good shape!