How to Prevent Costly HVAC Repairs With These Maintenance Tips

South Carolina’s hot, humid summers and damp, chilly winters take a heavy toll on your heating and cooling equipment. Here are four ways to avoid HVAC breakdowns by practicing regular HVAC maintenance.

1. Schedule HVAC Tuneups Every Spring and Fall

Air conditioners need a tuneup every spring and heaters need a tuneup every fall. Your service technician will clean your equipment, prime it for high performance and inspect the units for potential irregularities that should be addressed. Seasonal tuneups performed by a skilled service technician can prevent up to 95 percent of HVAC repair calls.

2. Change Air Filters Every Month

Dirty filters harm your HVAC equipment and create serious yet unnecessary problems that require expensive repairs. Changing the filters regularly protects your heating and cooling systems from this potential damage.

3. Keep an Eye on the Condensate Line

Your heating and cooling system condensate lines won’t usually develop clogs if your equipment is getting regular spring and fall tuneups, but it pays to be careful. Moisture should be draining through the condensate lines and dripping on the ground outside. If you notice puddles around your furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, you may have a clogged drain line that should be checked by an HVAC professional.

4. Make Sure the Area Around the Outdoor Unit Stays Clean

Air conditioners and heat pumps have outdoor units that should be maintained routinely by homeowners between maintenance visits. The area around the unit should be kept free of any obstructions such as debris, dirt, and leaves. Foliage should be cut back so as not to interfere with airflow. The unit should be on level ground and gently hosed off periodically to prevent gunk from accumulating inside the unit.

If you follow these four simple tips, you can protect your equipment from unnecessary harm and greatly reduce the potential for costly HVAC repairs. To learn more about HVAC service agreements and other heating and cooling services in Murrells Inlet, SC, visit Air Doctor Services, Inc. or call (843) 305-8824 to schedule a tuneup.