Home & Real Estate

Breathe Clean Air: How to Check Your HVAC

Winter is here, along with full-on house HVAC usage, to keep everyone warm. While your heating system is working hard to provide comfortable temperatures inside, it may work against you as far as indoor air quality is concerned.

Air conditioning is important, but clean air matters even more. HVAC can be a significant contributor to the pollutants that end up in our lungs. Regular checks are essential to ensure that your HVAC system is providing clean air.

How can you check your HVAC to breathe clean air? Keep reading to find out.

Contents

Inspect and Replace Filters

Check your air filters regularly, at least once a month. Make sure to replace them when they are dirty or clogged.

Ensure the temperatures remain consistent and run properly once the new filter is inserted. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and allow dust and contaminants to circulate in your indoor air.

Clean the Vents and Ducts

Ensure that air vents and ducts are clean and free of dust, debris, and mold. This can be done by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris that can get stuck in the ducts. For excessive dirt and dust, you may need professional air duct cleaning for a thorough cleaning.

Check for Mold and Moisture

Inspect your HVAC system for any signs of mold or excess moisture. If any mold is present, enlisting the services of a professional to investigate further is highly recommended. If no issues are visible, be sure to regularly check for any changes inside and outside of the HVAC system.

Address any mold issues promptly and consider installing a dehumidifier if needed.

Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Examine both the condenser coils and evaporator using a flashlight. Look for signs of dust, dirt, or debris collected on the coils and debris blocking the airflow. A vacuum cleaner should be used to carefully remove any debris and wipe down the coils with safe cleaning solutions.

Check for Refrigerant Leaks

Low refrigerant levels can affect the cooling capacity of your HVAC system. Inspect indoor and outdoor units and all visible lines for any leaking fluid or signs of damage. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact a professional technician to diagnose and repair the issue.

Inspect the Blower Motor and Fan Blades

Visually inspect the fan blades for signs of wear and tear, such as bent or broken blades and the blower motor for signs of any damage or corrosion. If signs of wear and tear or damage to the fan blades or the blower motor are detected, these components should be replaced.

Additionally, it is important to check if the fan is rotating freely and does not make any grinding or scratching noises when turned on. If this is the case, then a lubrication of the bearings is recommended.

Maintain Your HVAC System to Breathe Clean Air

Remember that maintaining a clean and efficient HVAC system is essential not only for indoor air quality but also for energy efficiency and cost savings. Regular checks and professional maintenance can help you breathe clean air while also extending the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. Put HVAC maintenance on your calendar today – your health and comfort deserve it!

If you find this article helpful, take a look at some of our other blog posts for more informative reads.