5 Crucial Factors to Consider for HVAC Maintenance

With the warmer season upon us, homeowners in Austin, TX's 78759 area are likely getting prepared for the summer heat. From organizing outdoor activities to ensuring their home is prepped for optimal temperature control during the hot days in Texas, homeowners in 78759 have all kinds of steps to take. One of the most important among them is ensuring the home's HVAC system is in proper condition.

An HVAC system is an integrated part of any home's climate control infrastructure. Inside most U.S. homes, the HVAC system uses a combination of air conditioning, heating, and ventilation to maintain an ideal temperature throughout the year. As a result, home maintenance should include regular HVAC maintenance and tune-ups to keep the system running correctly and helping to avoid a costly system breakdown.

To assist with maintaining a home's HVAC system, here are five key factors that residence owners in Austin's 78759 should consider before putting their system through the maintenance.

1. Check for Blockages

One of the primary elements in any air conditioning system is airflow. When air cannot flow freely from the intake to the exhaust vents, the system's performance can drastically decrease. This is often due to blockages from dust, debris, pet dander, and even pollen that can enter the system over time and clog particular points in the air conditioning line.

To check for blockages, first the faceplate and air filters should be checked and replaced if necessary. These are the most common spots where the system is susceptible to clogs. Then, extra care should be taken to clear the grilles and air vents from dust buildup or blockages.

2. Check for Coolant Leaks

Coolant can be an important element to the air conditioning system's efficiency. During the hot summer months, the coolant is used to assist with the temperature regulation, and when it isn't able to operate correctly, the entire system could be affected.

The coolant should be checked for any signs of damage or leaks. If a leak is detected, a professional should be called out to inspect the system, and a replacement should be performed if necessary.

3. Lubricating System Parts

Generally, homes in Austin's 78759 have HVAC units that use oil or grease-based lubricants to keep moving parts functioning at optimal levels. These lubricating fluids can help reduce any friction in the system and can help it run more efficiently.

As a part of the maintenance check, these lubricants should be inspected and replenished or replaced where necessary. Cleaning out and removing old lubricants can also aid in the system's overall performance, and replacing with fresh oil will help reduce the energy consumption of the unit over time.

4. Replacing the Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most important parts of an HVAC system, as it can be used to regulate a property's temperature. Older units generally use manual thermostats which can slowly become less accurate over time.

It's best to replace a manual thermostat with a digital one to ensure it's as accurate as possible. Digital thermostats overall will reduce energy consumption and maintain the property at the desired temperature.

5. General Inspection

Lastly, it's essential to always carry out a general inspection of the HVAC system. This step can spot any particular issues that may have migrated into the system over time, and the technician can replace any parts that may need repair or replacement.

These five steps are key to ensuring an HVAC system in 78759 runs as optimally and efficiently as possible. Not only will it help reduce energy costs, but it can also extend the lifetime of a property's climate control system.

HVAC Maintenance

78759 Austin TX

Residential Maintenance