In the diverse British Columbia climate, where wet winters contrast starkly with warm, dry summers, the importance of maintaining your HVAC system can’t be stressed enough. Regular maintenance enhances your comfort throughout the year, extends the life span of your equipment, reduces energy bills, and helps you avoid costly repairs. Below, you’ll find eight essential tips every BC resident should know to keep their HVAC system in optimal condition.
1. Understand How Your HVAC Works
Before diving into hands-on heating and cooling maintenance, it’s fundamental to grasp how your HVAC system operates. The system is an intricate blend of mechanical components, including compressors, fans, ducts, and thermostats, each playing a crucial role. By understanding the core mechanics, you’re better equipped to identify irregularities, perform simple maintenance tasks, and engage more effectively with professionals when discussing repairs or upgrades. In essence, a foundational knowledge of your HVAC system empowers you to detect early signs of malfunction as well as optimize the efficiency and longevity of the system.
2. Regularly Change or Clean Air Filters
The chief function of air filters is to purify the incoming air, ensuring that dust, pollen, and other airborne particles do not circulate within your living space or clog essential components of the HVAC system. Changing or cleaning these filters is relatively simple.
First, you’ll want to turn off your HVAC system for safety. Next, access the filter compartment, which is usually located either at the point where the return duct enters the furnace or air handler or inside the blower compartment itself. Slide out the old filter and replace it with a new one, ensuring the airflow direction indicated on the filter aligns appropriately with the system.
If you have a reusable filter, you can clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually by vacuuming or washing, then ensure it’s thoroughly dry before reinserting. As a general guideline, we recommend checking the filter monthly and replacing or cleaning it every one to three months. This frequency can ensure that the HVAC system operates at its peak efficiency, promoting better air quality in your home.
3. Clean the HVAC System’s Exterior Unit
Maintaining the exterior component of your HVAC system is as crucial as its internal upkeep. Over time, debris like leaves and other environmental pollutants can accumulate on and around the outdoor unit, often called the condenser. Regularly clean accessible areas of the outdoor unit to ensure optimal performance and mitigate wear and tear on different HVAC components.
Basic Cleaning Protocol
To initiate the cleaning process, always start by turning off the power to the unit for safety reasons. Once it’s powered down, begin by inspecting the exterior for any visible debris, such as leaves, twigs, or grass. Using gloves, gently remove these by hand or with a soft brush. You can employ a garden hose with a gentle stream to clean the coils — avoid high-pressure settings, which can bend the fins or damage the coils. Spray the unit from the top down, dislodging any accumulated dirt. Remember, while the exterior can be cleaned with moderate ease, refrain from probing too deep inside, as the intricate parts may require a professional touch.
Post-Cleaning Considerations
After cleaning, inspect the area around the unit. We advise maintaining at least a two-foot clearance on all sides, ensuring the unit can effectively draw in air. Trim any shrubs, plants, or overhanging branches that may drop leaves or debris onto the unit. Lastly, consider using a breathable cover during off-seasons or periods of non-use. This can prevent undue particle buildup and protect against harsh weather conditions. Remember to remove the cover when the system is in operation to ensure unhindered airflow.
That said, while personal maintenance can be beneficial, it’s crucial to schedule professional check-ups periodically. The professionals can clean HVAC components beyond your reach, ensuring your system remains robust and efficient throughout the year.
4. Clean the Condensate Drain
The condensate drain can become clogged with contaminants and other particulates, inhibiting the smooth drainage of condensation produced during the cooling process. An obstructed condensate drain reduces the HVAC system’s operational efficiency. It can also lead to water damage, increased humidity levels within the property, and potential microbial growth, presenting health risks to occupants.
For optimal system health, we advise periodically inspecting and cleaning the condensate drain. Start by turning off the HVAC system for safety and disconnecting the drain line. Then, gently suction out any obstructions from the drain’s opening using a wet/dry vacuum. After vacuuming, you can pour a diluted bleach solution down the drain to kill mould or mildew and prevent future blockages. However, if the backup is persistent or you have any uncertainty regarding the cleaning process, seek the expertise of an HVAC professional.
5. Schedule Professional Inspections
The seasonal shift between winter and summer in British Columbia stresses HVAC systems differently. Scheduling bi-annual professional inspections, especially before the onset of these two seasons, can help the professional detect and address small issues that might be easy to miss but costly to ignore.
During these inspections, technicians typically carry out a range of tasks to ensure the system’s efficiency. They may clean and lubricate moving parts, check and recalibrate thermostats, inspect the condensate drain for blockages, and ensure an optimal refrigerant level. Additionally, they’ll assess the overall system performance, verifying that it heats and cools as expected. This comprehensive approach ensures each component functions at its peak, providing you with a reliable and efficient HVAC system.
6. Ensure Ductwork Is Sealed
Ductwork helps facilitate efficient airflow and optimal indoor climate control. However, ducts can develop breaches or gaps due to regular wear and tear, improper installation, or external damage. To identify potential leaks, you might observe unexplained spikes in energy bills, uneven room temperatures, or weak airflow.
When these gaps remain unchecked, they can contribute to a significant loss of conditioned air, thereby increasing operational costs and decreasing system efficiency. Opting for professional sealing services can ensure these leaks are addressed with precision. Furthermore, insulating the ductwork post-sealing amplifies the conservation of thermal energy, ultimately translating to substantial energy savings for homeowners.
7. Ensure Thermostats and Controls Function Accurately
If you observe that your air conditioner or furnace is running incessantly even after reaching the desired temperature, it may be an indicator of a faulty thermostat. Such constant operation not only overworks the system but also leads to elevated energy costs. Should you notice this behaviour, consult a professional for potential thermostat recalibration or replacement.
8. Check Out Your Furnace’s Flame
A furnace’s flame colour is a direct indicator of its combustion health and efficiency. When examining the flame, look for a consistent blue hue, which signifies a proper air-to-gas ratio and complete combustion. If the flame appears yellow or flickers, it may indicate a potential issue such as the presence of contaminants or an imbalance in the gas mixture. Regularly monitoring the furnace flame ensures early detection of problems, allowing timely intervention.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Today!
If you’re tired of unexpected HVAC breakdowns and rising energy bills in Nanaimo, BC, contact us to schedule your HVAC maintenance today. Our specialized services cover heating and cooling systems, ductless mini splits, heat pumps, indoor air quality products, gas furnaces, and boilers. Additionally, we offer tankless water heaters and a comprehensive range of plumbing services, including drain cleaning and repair, leak detection, sump pumps, sewer service, and emergency plumbing solutions. Call us at Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas today to learn more about our services.
