Your furnace and air conditioning work hard to keep your Ohio home comfortable no matter the temperature. Just like any other system in your home, your HVAC needs maintenance and cleaning to work efficiently. Keeping your heating and cooling system clean starts with simple tasks you can do yourself. Here are some steps you can take to care for your system:
1. Rinse Your Outdoor A/C Unit
First, be sure to turn off the power to your air conditioner. To clean your outdoor A/C unit, gently rinse the condenser coil, cooling fins, and grille with a garden hose. This will wash away any debris like dirt, grass, and leaves. It’s important to keep this area clear for the unit to function properly. If you don’t remove build up, it can clog the unit, which reduces the airflow needed to release heat.
Pro Tip: Never use a pressure washer to rinse your air conditioner as this can damage your unit. If a deeper clean is needed, contact us to complete a thorough cleaning using specialty products.
2. Check Your Visible Ductwork
It’s easy to forget about your ductwork, but regular checkups ensure you catch any issues early. Take a look around your home for any visible ductwork and inspect it for:
- Pieces that are disconnected and need to be reattached
- Leaking seams that should be sealed
While there are DIY products available to help seal your ductwork, we recommend contacting professionals to ensure repairs are completed correctly and with high-quality products built to last.
3. Keep All Registers and Grilles Clean & Clear
Remember to keep all registers and grilles clean and clear of blockages to ensure proper airflow. This applies to both intake and exhaust vents throughout your home.
- Cleaning – wipe and/or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris
- Clearance – keep all furniture, rugs, curtains, etc. at least a foot away to provide sufficient airflow
4. Keep the Area Around Your Air Conditioner Clear
Do you have plants near your A/C unit? Keep them trimmed back so the area is clear from branches, flowers, bushes, grass, leaves, etc. This allows for easy airflow through the unit, which in turn:
- Creates a more efficient unit
- Protects your unit from damage
- Protects your home from poor air quality
Pro Tip: Try to keep at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit.
5. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
One of the most important, and easy, maintenance tasks is replacing your air filter on a regular basis. Your air filter gets clogged with dust, pollen, and other particles. Replacing your air filter keeps your air flowing and the system running smoothly.
So, how often should you replace the filter? This depends on the type, and could be as often as every 30 days or as long as every 6 months. Your owner’s manual should have information about the specifics for your HVAC system. You can also reference our air filter advice and tips here.
If you are interested in more HVAC maintenance tips, visit this article, “DIY HVAC Maintenance: What You Can and Can’t Do Yourself”.
Keeping Your HVAC System Clean with Henry Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
We hope these steps help you keep your HVAC system clean and running smoothly. For situations where professional assistance is needed, our team of highly trained and experienced technicians are on hand to help. We are proud to take care of our neighbors throughout Northeast Ohio. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
