Author: Buckeye Furnace

Performing regular maintenance on your HVAC system can keep it running all year round, and at top efficiency. However, because HVAC systems are rarely visible, it is easy to overlook these procedures. Much like changing your car’s oil or tuning it up when the check-engine light comes on, it is vital to perform preventative maintenance on your HVAC system.

Cleaning air ducts

Keeping the indoor air quality in your home is a top priority, especially if you suffer from respiratory illness. Dirty air ducts can harbor allergens like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. This can cause breathing problems in healthy people, too, so cleaning your HVAC system is a must.

Construction and remodeling can leave a large buildup of dust in your HVAC ducts. This construction dust is a major contributor to indoor air quality problems, as it contains harmful particulate matter. Even if you cover the ducts, there are still dust and other particles in the air. If not cleaned regularly, these particles can cause respiratory problems and contribute to larger health concerns.

In addition to causing allergies, dust in the air ducts can also cause microbiological growth. The spores released by this growth can irritate the lungs, causing respiratory issues and allergies. Keeping your HVAC system clean and free of pollutants is the primary goal of air duct cleaning. To ensure that your ducts are as clean as possible, contact a qualified duct cleaning service provider HVAC Repair Houston.

Cleaning furnace filter

Cleaning furnace filters is an important part of maintaining your heating and air conditioning system. A dirty filter can cause clogs that prevent air from circulating effectively. This can cause excessive amounts of condensation in the home and affect the indoor air quality. The filter should be cleaned on a regular basis. Depending on the climate of your area, the filter needs to be changed every few months or once a year.

It is vital to clean the filter regularly to avoid clogging the system and increasing heating costs. A dirty filter can also shorten the life of the furnace. To clean a filter, make sure to have a cover over the filter slot. You should replace a single-inch filter once a month. If you aren’t sure what size filter you need, visit a Lennox Dealer who can recommend a filter for your particular system. In addition to the filter size, your Lennox Dealer can also check it during yearly maintenance and recommends a replacement filter based on your specific furnace.

Cleaning evaporator coil

Performing annual maintenance on your HVAC system should include cleaning the evaporator coil, which can be a simple task if you know how to do it properly. To clean the coil, first shut off power to the HVAC unit. Then, use a rag to remove dirt and residue from the evaporator coil. A shop vac is also a good tool for this task, but always make sure to wear protective eyewear.

If you’re not sure what to use, you can also try brushing the coil, which will remove light dirt and allows you to use a soft brush to control the cleaning pressure. If dirt is hard to remove, you may need to use a scrubbing tool. However, be sure to use soft brushes; hard bristles can damage the fins of the coil.

Cleaning evaporator drain

Cleaning the evaporator drain on an HVAC system is a common maintenance task. Automotive manufacturers and ASE certified mechanics recommend this service, which will also remove clogged drain hose debris. Cleaning the evaporator case alone will not solve the problem. Your mechanic will use a proper evaporator cleaning solution to solve the problem.

When cleaning the evaporator drain, you must be cautious not to use anything that could corrode metal surfaces. Although vinegar and bleach are commonly used in cleaning AC drain lines, these chemicals are corrosive and can damage the coils and indoor air handler. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the cleaning product.

If you have a mechanical aptitude, you can clean the evaporator coil yourself. The process varies depending on the type of evaporator drain and the extent of cleaning. You may also be able to clean the compressor coils that are located outside the cabinet. It is recommended that you clean the evaporator coils monthly or every three months.

Cleaning carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can pose a serious health risk. Its presence in the home can cause unconsciousness and even death if not detected. Proper venting of gas-powered appliances helps to move this gas outside the house.

It is important to test your carbon monoxide detector monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. Changing the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector is also a good idea. A dirty detector may cause false alarms and may even stop working altogether. To avoid this, make sure to clean the carbon monoxide detector frequently and follow the instructions listed in its manual.

Although carbon monoxide can enter a home at any time, most of these leaks occur during the winter months. This is because of faulty furnaces. If you have a fuel-based HVAC system, be sure to check the carbon monoxide detector before the winter season begins.