summer

Maintenance in Summer Summer is heating up and hopefully; your HVAC system is cooling your home down. Make sure your HVAC unit keeps functioning correctly and cost-effectively by performing a little preventative maintenance. These five easy steps should keep your air conditioner running and your energy costs low. Replace Filters Replacing a dirty HVAC filter can reduce energy consumption by as much as 15%. A dirty filter also makes your unit work harder, which can lead to a breakdown. Most experts agree that filters should be changed at least every quarter. Change filters monthly if your system is in constant use. Clean filters also improve the quality of air in your home. If anyone in your home has allergies or if you have pets, you may want to change HVAC filters more often. Be sure to match the MERV rating of the filter you are replacing. Clean Up Cleaning your air conditioner and cleaning around it will ensure plenty of airflow. You can do this by cleaning out the drainage hole at the base of the unit. Vacuum the fins on the side of your air conditioner with the brush attachment on your shop vac. Remove leaves, debris, and plants from around your air conditioner. Turn your unit off before cleaning. The electrical disconnect box should be located close to your outside unit.