If you’re a Twin Cities Metro resident, then you understand the critical importance of keeping your heating and air conditioning systems in top-notch shape to battle the region’s seasonal temperature swings. While Pronto Heating & Air Conditioning professionally serves the entire metro area, we also appreciate the dedicated DIY homeowners. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide filled with helpful tips for maintaining your HVAC system yourself.
The simplest tip for HVAC system maintenance is regularly changing your air filters. The role of these filters is to trap dust, allergens, and dirt, and when they become clogged, your system has to work harder to pump air, consuming more energy and potentially leading to a breakdown. You should aim to replace these filters every 30-90 days, depending on the amount of dust and allergens in your area.
Another helpful tip is to keep the outside unit of your air conditioning system clean and clear. It’s easy to overlook the outdoor unit in your day-to-day activities, but it’s vital to keep it clear of leaves, plant overgrowth, and debris, which can inhibit its functionality. Use a garden hose to rinse off any accumulated dirt- but be mindful not to blast the unit with high-pressure water that could potentially damage it.
On a related note, during winter months, it’s important to protect your outdoor unit from heavy snow or ice. A specially-designed cover can be effective — just ensure the unit is dry before covering to prevent rusting or freezing issues. However, periodically check under the cover to confirm that no unwanted animals have made a home there.
Monitoring your thermostat also goes a long way in maintaining your HVAC system. When you constantly adjust your thermostat, you add strain to your HVAC system, which can ultimately lead to wear and tear on its components. A programmable thermostat can help ease this strain by saving energy when you’re not home.
Lastly, ensure proper insulation of your home to reduce HVAC workload. Under-insulated homes lose their heat during winter and gain heat during summer, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. Regularly checking your home’s insulation, including weather-stripping around doors and windows, can save you money and extend the life of your system.
While these tips can help you keep your HVAC in good shape, it’s essential to remember that professional maintenance and servicing can’t completely be replaced by DIY measures. Complex issues such as system diagnostics, leak checks, refrigerant charging, and full-scale cleaning are better left to professionals like Pronto Heating & Air Conditioning.
To schedule a maintenance appointment, please visit our contact us page. Don’t let the fluctuating Twin Cities Metro area weather catch you off-guard – stay Pronto proud by servicing and maintaining your HVAC equipment.