HVAC Maintenance Tips Every Dubai Homeowner Should Know
HVAC is a system for cooling and heating your space. It is essential to install it in your home or office to get efficient indoor air quality, but with time and use regularly, it needs to be maintained to perform smoothly. As other machineries need proper check-ups to run effectively, an HVAC also has issues when used in scorching heat or humid seasons. Homeowners may neglect HVAC tune-ups, which can lead to serious health and wealth issues like respiratory problems and loss of money.
As leading HVAC maintenance experts, we are here to guide you through necessary HVAC maintenance tips that will not only keep your indoor air quality in good condition but also save you money.
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Changing the air filter regularly is most important when it comes to HVAC maintenance tasks. Air filters collect dust, debris, pet dander, pollen, and other pollutants. As a result, air filters get blocked, reducing indoor air quality. The workload on the HVAC system increases which causes a shorter lifespan of your system and higher energy bills.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
The best time to change your air filter is every 1-3 months, depending on the type of your filter, usage, the area where you live, and the quality of air. The professional HVAC technician of FixWell recommends setting a reminder on your phone or calendar to remember the date for changing your air filters regularly.
2. Clean and Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
The external component of your HVAC system, commonly referred to as the condenser or heat pump, faces constant exposure to weather conditions throughout the year. Over time, it can become surrounded by fallen leaves, soil, and various debris, which may impede proper air circulation and decrease its performance. By regularly cleaning this outdoor unit, you can perform a straightforward maintenance task that could help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
A step-by-step guide to inspect and clean your outdoor unit.
Power Off the Unit: It is important to turn off your unit’s power for safety before doing any type of cleaning or maintenance of your unit.
Clear Debris: After inspecting your outdoor unit, clear the debris from the different parts using a soft brush or machinery like a vacuum. Remove dirt, leaves, and all the dust.
Clean the Fins: Cleaning the fins of your condenser coils is crucial to have a clogged-free unit. The fins can bend or be dusted by several pollutants. Use a soft brush or fin comb to remove buildup from your fins.
Check for Damage: Inspect for Damage: When you clean your outdoor unit, it is recommended to inspect the unit while working and check the signs like leaks, unwanted noises, and other factors to consider maintenance by calling a professional HVAC specialist.
3. Seal Air Leaks to Improve Efficiency
Sealed air leaks play an important role in maintaining temperature in your home. If they leak, then it’s hard to keep the temperature consistent. Sealing air ducts can be efficient in energy and system performance. However, identifying air leaks can be difficult; we have mentioned some key traits for this.
How to Identify and Seal Air Leaks:
Check Problems in Common Areas: Checking air leaks can be overwhelming recommend areas to check where air leaks are often found, like around doors, windows, electrical outlets, and duct systems. To check, use an air pump, or on a windy day, use a lit incense stick to identify there is a sign of leak if smoke wavers.
Use Weatherstripping and Caulk: Once you have found air leaks, seal them to save energy and protect your system by using caulk or weatherstripping. Your doors and windows should be sealed if the gaps are smaller, and if they are larger, then use a spray foam.
Inspect Your Ductwork and Seal It: The ductwork of your home also needs to be checked. If the ducts are leaked, then they cause energy consumption. Inspect your ductwork; if there are gaps or holes, then use HVAC tape or mastic sealant to seal leaky ducts properly.
4. Clean the Coils
HVAC coils are the most important components of your system that transfer heat. Continuously running your system can collect dirt and debris that lead to accumulating your coils. This can reduce the efficiency of coils, lowering their performance and system working process. Cleaning your system coils can save your HVAC system.
How to Clean the Coils:
Power Off the Unit: Turn off the power of your unit to protect yourself during work. Safety is a priority!
Access The Coils: Evaporator coils are located inside the unit, and condenser coils are outside the unit. To clean them you will need to remove the panel of your system.
Clean The Coils: When you have access to HVAC coils, clean them, then use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. Using coil cleaner and mild water can protect your coils. But be aware of wetting your electrical components while cleaning the HVAC system’s coils.
5. Schedule Seasonal HVAC Inspections
Inspections of your HVAC can identify the problems to sort out on time and keep your system up to date. If you want DIY HVAC maintenance, then it can be risky; hiring an expert AC inspection would be a good choice. This way, you can identify and avoid potential problems and save time and money.
What to Expect During an HVAC Inspection:
System Check-up: A professional system check-up includes inspection of all components like thermostats, filters, blowers, coils, and ductwork.
Refrigerant Levels: He will inspect and fix your refrigerant levels to provide your system with efficiency in cooling.
Electrical Connections: Electrical connections are most important in running your HVAC system. Loose or faulty connections can lead to major damage. The professional HVAC specialist will inspect and adjust all outlets and connections accurately to run your unit smoothly.
Safety Controls: The expert will test all your safety controls, including a protective switch to minimize the electric shock and other breakers to ensure safety measurements control your system.
Lubricate System Parts: Moving parts need to be lubricated to prevent friction and wear. The technician will lubricate bearings, motors, and other components.
The professional HVAC maintenance service will lubricate the moving parts to prevent friction. This step includes lubrication of motors, bearings, and other components of your system to work efficiently.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency is upgrading to a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat automatically does temperature adjustments based on your daily routine, potentially resulting in considerable energy conservation.
Advantages of a Programmable Thermostat:
- Energy Conservation: By automatically modifying temperatures during periods of absence or sleep, a programmable thermostat can decrease your energy expenses by as much as 10%.
- Enhanced Comfort: You can program the thermostat to initiate heating or cooling before your arrival, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere upon entering your home.
- Remote Management: Many contemporary thermostats feature smartphone app connectivity, allowing temperature control even when you’re away from home.
Final Words
Regular HVAC system maintenance ensures optimal home comfort, reduces costs, prolongs equipment lifespan, and enhances the quality of your indoor air. Unsure where to begin? We’re ready to assist! From expert inspections and duct cleaning to maintenance guidance, Fixwell offers comprehensive HVAC solutions.
Reach out to us today to book a service or explore our HVAC Services. Together, we’ll ensure your system operates efficiently, keeping your home comfortable throughout the year.
