HVAC Tips: The Ultimate HVAC Maintenance Checklist!
Look:
We understand the pain you are feeling.
We get you:
We are available to help you (actually assist you) with your HVAC needs. Sometimes an HVAC contractor is not available to help you. Sometimes it’s all about fighting the thermostat to adjust the temperature.
We have the right solution for you, no matter where your HVAC journey is at. But…
This list HVAC tips and tricks is broken down into categories so that you can quickly find the correct answer to your heating and air conditioning questions. This HVAC maintenance checklist can be divided into three sections. The second section contains seasonal HVAC tips that will help you choose the right time of year for preventative maintenance. To help technicians best serve their customers, we also include some tips.
Quick Links
HVAC advice for homeowner
HVAC advice for renters
HVAC advice for summer
HVAC Tips for Spring
HVAC advice for winter
HVAC tip for technicians
Side note: Everything in this section is called Christianson’s. You don’t have to worry about this being an HVAC sales pitch. Instead, we are very proud of our Thurston County HVAC firm. You would be amazed at the number of people out there who could steal your photos and content.
Without further delay, here’s our complete list. This is the only guide you’ll ever need.
HVAC Tips for Beginners
Here’s my pet peeve.
People who think they are experts. Christianson’s Furnace Repair and Air Condition repair HVAC technicians are skilled, but we know that not all HVAC technicians can be. This section is for HVAC professionals.
Disclaimer:
This article is for HVAC experts, who have never had an HVAC issue. If you already know what an HVAC furnace is or where to find it, skip on to the more technical HVAC tips.
#1 What is HVAC?
HVAC stands to heat, ventilation, and air conditioner.
#2 What are the components in an HVAC system’s structure?
A central air-heat system includes 9 main components. These components include the furnace and heat exchanger as well as the condensing coil, heat exchanger, heat pump, heat pump, evaporator coil, heat transferr, condensing system, refrigerant tubes, thermostat, ductwork, vents, and heat pump. (Don’t worry! These parts will be described in more detail later. )
#3 What is the Furnace?
The furnace is the heating element. Natural gas or electricity are the most common fuels for furnaces. We’ll be discussing the pros and disadvantages of each. You might find your furnace in your basement or garage. Your furnace is designed to heat the air in your house and transfer it to your ducts.
An excellent example of a brand Lennox furnace installed in a closet utility is shown below.
#4 What is the Heat Exchanger?
Although you may find it in your furnace, it is not part of the furnace. The furnace pushes hot water into your ducts but the heat exchanger actually converts cold to hot air.
#5: What is an Evaporator Oil?
The furnace’s other resident is the evaporator, which absorbs heat from any air passing over it and blows cool air through your ventilations.
#6 What is Condensing?
Your condensing units serves the same purpose that your evaporator. However, it is usually located outside of your house. Condensing units are similar to evaporator coils, but they emit heat . This is because the condensing element absorbs heat from the evaporator.
An HVAC installation is a must if your AC unit looks dirty.
#7 What is a refrigerant tube?
Refrigerant tubs connect your condensing coil to your evaporator. Metal is the most common material used for refrigerant tubes. They are meant to contain refrigerant, and also connect the indoor units to the outdoor units.
#8 What is the Thermostat and how do you use it?
The thermostat is a device mounted on the wall inside your home that allows you control the temperature . Did you know that you could get a smart, Wi-Fi connected thermostat? This will allow you to set the temperature of your home directly from your smartphone.
Smart, wi fi connected thermostats can be more than Nest. Stay connected to the home with your smart smartphone!
#9 What is Ductwork exactly?
The ductwork in your home allows the conditioned indoor air from your furnace/AC unit to circulate around your house. Southern California homes typically have ductwork overhead that runs through the attic or ceiling space.
#10 What is Vents?
Air vents allow heat or cool air to flow through your living space via the ductwork.
#11 What is an Heat Pump?
A heat pump is able to provide heating and cooling. Heat pumps can pump hot air from your home during summer and heat pumps in winter.
HVAC Tips For Homeowners
This section is primarily directed at new homeowners searching for HVAC advice. But it applies to all homeowners.
#12 It is important to know what type of HVAC system you have.
A new homeowner should know the type and model of their HVAC system. A central air conditioning unit is the typical system. It contains all of our HVAC tips for Beginners listed. Your home may have a ductless minisplit system, a window-attached wall unit or both. You will also need to determine whether your furnace is natural gas or electric.
#13 Change your Air Filters Every Other Day.
It is important to change your air filter when you first move into your house. You probably listed your home for a few months prior to buying it. It is best to change the filter as soon as you move in.
#14 Keep your Condenser Unit Clean.
Your condenser can be found in your side yard. It is often overlooked. Your unit can become choked by shrubs and debris over time. This will reduce its airflow and make it harder to cool your home.
#15 Don’t Close your Vents
This is a common error made by new homeowners. It is common for homeowners to close off the vents in rooms they do not use, thinking that it will help save energy. However, this can actually make your HVAC system less efficient. Heat likes to spread evenly within an object. The heat from your home will naturally get into the closed-vent area, but this will mean that your HVAC system will need to work harder in order for it to keep the temperature uniform.
Open air vents allow for equal temperature distribution throughout your house and keep your HVAC system operating efficiently. Keep your vents clean to avoid allergic reactions and blockages.
#16 Clean Your Ductwork.
Did you know most home inspectors don’t check ductwork? For a new homeowner, this means you won’t find out if your ductwork is in dire need of repair. Check your ducts for dust or loud sounds from your HVAC system. While chances are they are just dirty, you should call an HVAC technician to repair or replace any leaking air.
#17 Build a Relationship with Licensed Contractors.
A new homeowner can’t depend on your parents or landlord for any appliance repairs. This is your responsibility. If you don’t work as an HVAC contractor, it is likely that you don’t have a strong relationship. This holds true for all home repair and maintenance contractors. However, your HVAC contractor should always be at the top. HVAC systems are complex machines that play an integral part in your home’s comfort. HVAC issues are the most common. If you need to service your HVAC unit or air conditioner, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC contractor. A good relationship with an HVAC contractor can save thousands of dollars over the course of your homeownership. Your contractor will know everything about your home, your HVAC system, as well as your expectations for price, service, and pricing.
This video shows you how to find a reliable HVAC company. Christiansons Heating and Cooling is a company that can help you in Yelm and Thurston County.
Bonus: Learn what a manual J is.
Manual J is how you determine the best size HVAC system for you home. It is very complex and we don’t expect anyone to know how it works. But, your HVAC contractor should know how. You must run a manual for your new house so you can properly install your HVAC system.
HVAC Tips for Renters
Renters may be interested in learning more about HVAC units. Your landlord should be responsible to maintain HVAC units, but you never know how long this will take.
Trust Us:
Do not wait for your landlord to reply, while your home is turning into an oven.
#18 Clean Your HVAC Unit.
It’s obvious that this is important, but it’s sometimes easy to forget about proper maintenance for your HVAC unit even if it’s not the HVAC unit. Before you move in, clean your HVAC unit. Make sure to clean the filter and all moving parts are in good condition.
#19 Renters should take photos of their HVAC system
Once you move in, take photographs of your furnace and condenser. If you have access, even the ducts. If you have any questions about your HVAC unit, you can take photos to show your landlord.
#20 Keep Your Gas Valve Closed
If your furnace uses natural gas, ensure that you shut off the gas valve when you are not heating your home. Your unit can leak natural gas and this can lead to a potentially dangerous situation. HVAC Tips for Summer
It is amazing to see how often we are asked for the best energy conservation tips for summer. While there’s no perfect AC temperature that saves electricity, these summer HVAC tips will help maximize your HVAC efficiency. Here are some seasonal HVAC tips to help you save electricity this summer.
#21 Clean Your Airways.
Yelm, Thurston County, Spanaway, and many other Western Washington cities have Hard winters. This means that you are probably not using your HVAC unit much and allowing your vents a lot to collect dust. Check your AC vents to make sure they are clean before it heats up and you have to switch on the AC.
#22 Invest into a Smart Thermostat.
Yelm, Thurston County, Spanaway, and many other Western Washington is home to some of the highest electric costs in America. A smart thermostat is a great investment that will allow you to save money and keep your home cool.
You may be wondering what all the hype about smart thermostats is. Wi-fi thermostats can be used to reduce your utility bills. They also give you more control over your home’s climate.
#23 Schedule an appointment for a tuneup
Your AC unit will be at its busiest during the summer. It is important to have your HVAC technician give it a quick tune-up before you run it all summer. You don’t want your HVAC system to stop working on the hottest of days.
HVAC Tips For Spring
HVAC maintenance should be at the top of your spring cleaning wish list.
#24 Make sure your AC drains properly
Air conditioners are equipped with a drainage hole to allow for water buildup due to condensation to drain. Your AC unit may be damaged if the drainage hole becomes blocked.
#25 Do Not Forget About Your dehumidifier.
Your dehumidifier should be your friend in a humid environment. Spring is the best season to perform preventative maintenance on your humidifier. Remove the unit’s case and allow it to dry completely. You can vacuum the case to ensure it’s dry and free from debris.
#26 Keep your Windows and Doors Open.
We get it. Southern California springtime is beautiful. All you need is some fresh air to bring in the sunshine. Spring is also allergy season. If you have your doors or windows left open, then you’re inviting allergens into the home. If you absolutely must keep your doors and windows open, however, we recommend buying a high quality filter air purifier.
HVAC Tips For Winter
#27 Insulate Your House
Your HVAC system does a lot to heat up your home. Yelm, Thurston County, Spanaway, and many other Western Washington) can get very cold in winter. Your furnace’s heat will escape your home. Why even heat your home? Get the best HVAC heating experience during winter with quality insulation
This pink stuff is insulation. If your attic does not look like this, you may need more insulation. Otherwise, your HVAC unit might not work as efficiently ).
#28 Cover Your Outdoor AC Unit.
Most likely, you’re not blowing the AC during winter. Protect your AC unit’s exterior from any unforeseeable damage with a cover.
#29 Schedule Furnace maintenance.
We said it was important to have a good working relationship with the top local HVAC contractor. Here’s where it really comes in. Your local HVAC technician can perform a quick checkup of your furnace. A quick checkup is recommended if your furnace has been unattended for the past year.
HVAC Tips for Technicians
Yes, we even have tips to help HVAC technicians. While we are one of Thurston County’s best HVAC companies , we also believe we are the best contractors in the area because we share the love. Here are some tips to help you best serve your customers.
#30 Place Yourself in the Shoes of Your Customer When Servicing their HVAC Unit.
This isn’t a morality lecture. It is essential to understand the needs of your customers when it comes down to air conditioner or furnace. Imagine that you are an HVAC contractor and you know how to explain the problem with an HVAC system. Although your customer might not know how to properly explain the problem with their HVAC unit, it is important to try to understand their needs and put yourself in their shoes.
#30.1 Don’t Be Afraid To Call For Help.
This is no problem if you’re an HVAC apprentice. However, it may be difficult for HVAC contractor with years of experience to do so. Do not make the customer feel like you are making a mistake. Get a 5 star rating on Yelp to show that you are the best HVAC contractor.
You can see it! It’s made up some of Thurston County’s most talented and experienced HVAC technicians! Keep it up!
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