As with anything that contains moving parts, maintenance is critical to keeping your air conditioning and heating system running smoothly. Here are tasks you can do yourself, plus a few best left to a professional.
One of the easiest and most important things you can do is change your air filter regularly. It is easy to forget until it stops your system from working — set a reminder on your phone or check it when you pay your mortgage or rent. The more your system runs, the more often the filter needs changing.
Clogged drain lines can be a big problem. Many systems have a drain safety switch that shuts the system off if the line clogs, but some don't — which can cause water damage. Help avoid this by pouring a cup of vinegar or a store-bought AC line cleaner into the drain line every couple of months.
HVAC systems have two coils, inside and outside. Keep the outdoor coil and unit free of grass or shrubs, trimmed to at least 12 inches away. The indoor coil is trickier to access and should be cleaned by a professional — replacing your air filter often is the best way to keep it clean.
Wipe down the indoor and outdoor units at least once a year to keep dirt and grime from building up, which can cause premature deterioration and rust.
The indoor coil is difficult to access and should be handled by a professional. The same goes for the blower wheel inside the indoor unit — a layer of dust the thickness of a piece of paper can reduce airflow by more than 20%. Both costly jobs can largely be avoided by changing your air filter frequently.
Duct cleaning is debatable. Many modern duct systems use flex-duct and fiberglass duct board, which can be damaged by brush cleaning. From our experience, prevention is the best method to keep your whole-home heating and cooling system running smoothly. Summer comes quick — make sure you are prepared by getting your system checked and maintained regularly.
AryCo has served Wise County and North Texas since 1982. Call or book online and a real person will help.
