A Post-Winter HVAC Checkup

HVAC, plumbing and electrical company Southern Trust Home Services is providing area homeowners with insider tips for properly maintaining HVAC systems and preventing costly replacements and emergency repairs.

“Expensive breakdowns are reduced as much as 95% with consistent HVAC maintenance,” said Ted Puzio, owner of Southern Trust Home Services. “Spending time on preventive HVAC maintenance now is an investment in equipment and performance we rely on for most of the year. Taking proactive steps can help bring peace of mind and eliminate stress.”

Puzio’s advice for homeowners who want to properly maintain their HVAC systems at the end of winter includes:

Clean your drain lines: A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common reasons an AC stops working.

The drain line plays an important role in making sure all the condensation produced by an air conditioner’s evaporator coil is properly removed. Cleaning this line stops the growth of mold and algae, preventing water damage, elevated humidity, and poor indoor air quality.

Clean the blower wheel: The blades on a blower wheel are constructed to push air around. Over time, dirt will accumulate on the blades and make your system work harder, so you should clean it regularly to ensure the HVAC runs efficiently.

Check your air ducts: Airborne pollutants found indoors may be two to five times higher than outdoor pollutants. Clean air ducts are crucial to the proper circulation of air, and removing contaminants from the ductwork reduces irritants and creates a cleaner environment in your home.

Replace your HVAC belt: Don’t wait for a belt to break before you replace it. HVAC belts should be inspected by an HVAC professional on a regular basis and replaced when they’ve lost their shape.

Stretched, worn-out belts impair HVAC performance and cause other components to work harder, meaning it takes more energy to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Like other mechanical HVAC jobs, this is best left to professionals as part of an annual heating or air-conditioning tune-up.


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