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Regular HVAC maintenance is a key part of being a responsible homeowner. Keeping the components clean and fine-tuning the settings not only help the system last longer but also perform more efficiently. You’ll save money on monthly energy bills and spend less on costly repairs and replacements. There are several factors specific to Tennessee that have a direct impact on HVAC performance and energy efficiency. Let’s take a close look at these regional influences and how to give your HVAC the care and attention it needs to perform optimally year-round.
How Tennessee’s Climate Affects HVAC Performance
Tennessee has beautiful weather for much of the year, but the excess humidity in the summer makes cooling systems run for longer and harder. The sudden drops in temperature during the winter put excess strain on heaters. Units that go without maintenance are much more likely to break down, particularly during times when you need them most. With regular tune-ups, you can rest easy knowing your home will stay comfortable during all weather conditions.
The Role of Air Filters in HVAC Health
Changing the air filter is one of the most important parts of maintaining heating and cooling equipment. Dirty filters make it impossible to keep dirt, dust and other debris from settling inside the HVAC. You don’t want this to happen because it restricts airflow and wears out the parts faster. Plus, it compromises indoor air quality by spreading allergens and trapping moisture. Those with allergies or asthma will experience worsening symptoms and more frequent flare-ups.
Fortunately, it’s very easy to avoid filter problems. You simply need to follow a regular replacement schedule. We recommend considering your home’s size, number of occupants and lifestyle habits to design a schedule specifically tailored to your house.
Most homes need filter changes every 30 to 90 days. But those with pets or respiratory sensitivities may require more frequent changes. If you’re heating or cooling the house with a ductless setup, it’ll need filter changes every two weeks.
Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Summer
Once the outdoor weather starts to warm up, you’ll want to focus on maintaining the AC. You can use the following tips to ensure your unit performs optimally without wasting too much energy.
Clear Leaves and Grass Clippings From Outdoor Units
It’s completely normal for twigs, leaves and grass clippings to find their way into the outdoor part of the HVAC. But as they build up, they’ll block airflow, which is hard on the compressor. As part of spring maintenance, you can clean the outdoor unit by removing surface debris and rinsing the condenser coil with a gentle stream of water. Just make sure to be careful with the fins—you don’t want to bend or damage them.
Check for Refrigerant Line Insulation Damage
Your refrigerant line has a foam insulation cover on it that serves the purpose of keeping the refrigerant cool as it travels to the compressor. Over time, it can crack from wear and tear. Sometimes, weather exposure or animals can even cause the cover to fall off. You’ll need to replace a damaged or missing insulation cover so the system can maintain proper efficiency and avoid overworking the compressor.
Make Sure All Vents Are Open and Unblocked
Do a walkthrough of each room in the home to make sure none of the vents have any blockages from furniture or curtains. Closed or blocked vents throw off the HVAC’s airflow balance, which can lead to overheating.
Test the AC System to Confirm Proper Cooling
Run your cooling system through a test phase by turning it on and using it as you normally would. Go to each room in the home to ensure they have cool, even airflow. Use a thermometer to make sure the temperature in each space matches the thermostat’s setting. If there’s any inconsistency, you might need to replace the thermostat or recalibrate the sensor. Accurate temperature readings are paramount to maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. There might be a blockage of some type in the ductwork if any of the rooms take too long to cool down. Or a faulty damper could be making the airflow uneven. If you can’t find and fix the issue, you’ll need to call us so we can perform an inspection.
Fall Maintenance Steps to Get Ready for Winter
Early fall, right before the cooler weather starts to roll in, is the ideal time to perform heater maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of the five most important things you can do to keep your home warm and cozy all winter.
Clean Around the Furnace and Nearby Vents
It’s time to do another walkthrough of the home to check all vents. Wiping them down is a smart way to remove dust that can block airflow and hurt indoor air quality. The area around the furnace should be clear of all clutter, boxes and flammable materials. This not only improves system performance but also reduces the risk of electrical fire and overheating.
Inspect Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. A heater that experiences a malfunction or poor ventilation can leak harmful gases into the home that can cause serious health issues or even death. Having early warning with working detectors and fresh batteries can make all the difference in keeping your family safe.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction to Clockwise
The strategic use of ceiling fans in colder weather is one of the best ways to reduce heating costs. As the blades push warm air down from the ceiling, you can lower the temperature on the thermostat so the heater doesn’t run as often. To achieve this effect, the blades must rotate clockwise. There’s a good chance they rotated counterclockwise during the summer to create a breeze effect, so you’ll need to reverse the direction for winter use.
Look for Rust or Corrosion on Heating Components
No matter the type of heating system you use, corrosion indicates moisture buildup and system wear. You might see rust on metal components or discoloration on pipes when inspecting the unit. Severe corrosion typically appears on the heat exchanger or burner assembly when the system has gone too long without maintenance. If you spot any of these warning signs, you’ll need to call one of our technicians. We can inspect the unit to determine the source of the issue.
Check Weatherstripping Around Doors and Windows
Your heater will have to work in overtime mode if your home has lots of air leaks. Sealing gaps in weatherstripping around doors and windows is one of the simplest ways to boost the system’s efficiency.
When to Schedule Professional Maintenance
All HVAC systems need at least one tune-up a year. We suggest having your AC serviced in the spring and your heater in the fall. We’ll wipe down all parts, lubricate moving components and test safety features. Be sure to ask A/C Plus Heating & Cooling techs about our maintenance agreement. It takes the stress out of knowing when to schedule maintenance services!
A/C Plus Heating & Cooling offers repairs and maintenance for regular and ductless HVAC systems. We’ll give you helpful tips for extending the life span of your system and making the home more comfortable. Call A/C Plus Heating & Cooling today to access expert HVAC tune-ups in Murfreesboro, TN.
