Improper maintenance is the main reason for issues with the HVAC system. It is usually easy to tell that something’s wrong. You have to set the thermostat to a higher or lower setting to get the rooms properly heated or cooled. The indoor air may have more dust. You may feel bad smell coming out of the registers. Learn how to deal with the most common problems causing these symptoms.
1. Dirty Air Filters
The job of the furnace filters is to filter the air circulated by the HVAC system. When they collect too much dust and other particles, the system’s efficiency is reduced and more contaminants get into the indoor air. Most disposable air filters require replacement every 90 days at least. Permanent ones should be cleaned regularly in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
When you are buying replacement filters, check their MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating. The higher the MERV rating is, the more particles the filters will capture. You should also consider the thickness of the products. Very thick filters may cause the HVAC system to work harder. For most families, the disposable electrostatic filters are a good choice because they can capture most types of particles and microorganisms without affecting the system’s performance adversely.
2. Drain Line Clogging
Dirt and algae are among the most common causes of this problem. When the drain lines are clogged, the drain pain will overflow and this will lead to water damage. The most common way to dealing with this issue is to use a wet vacuum for extracting the dirt and algae. You need to attach it to the exterior outlet, after removing the paper filter, of course. It is best to start off with gentler suction, just to be on the safe side. This job requires some skill, so you may consider turning to an HVAC repair specialist.
One method for preventing clogging is to pour a cup of white vinegar into the line system from the inside. It works effectively while being an extremely cheap solution. Generally, white vinegar cannot damage the pipes, regardless of their make. If you have concerns, however, you should check specifically for the material which yours are made from.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser unit is installed outside so the coils can get dirty quite quickly. When this happens, exhaust air is not properly released and the HVAC system has to work harder and use more energy. Use the garden hose to remove the dirt. Make sure that the spray is not very powerful as it can bend the coils. For this reason, you should not use a pressure washer for this job. If there are any bent coils, you should straighten them after the cleaning. There are plastic combs which are especially designed for this job.
If spraying water through the coils is not sufficient for removing stubborn dirt, you can use a specially formulated cleaner. Since this type of product releases exhaust fumes which could be potentially dangerous, you may want to leave this job to an HVAC repair professional.
Solve any HVAC problem as soon as possible to avoid further trouble.
