Keeping your property in its best shape increases its resale value. While you can do several things to maintain your house, like painting it and keeping the weed out of your garden, many tend to overlook certain simple yet significant things like maintaining the HVAC system. Regular maintenance of the HVAC system will also save you from high repair costs that you might otherwise incur later if an issue goes unnoticed and worsens.

Here are some tips to ensure proper maintenance of your HVAC system to prevent or bring down repair costs.

Replace the air filters
Changing the air filters regularly can help bring down your HVAC repair costs significantly as it keeps the system functioning efficiently. Ensure that the filters are changed every month during the hot weather season and change the filters every 6 weeks when the HVAC system is being used for heat. The air filter replacement will enhance the system’s performance and also help you ensure that the air in your home is clean and allergen-free. This is especially helpful if any of your family member has allergies. Additionally, you should keep a close watch on the air filters if you have pets at home.

Keep the condensing unit clean
The condensing unit or the heat pump is placed outdoors in most HVAC systems. These outdoor units usually have a fan at the top, which is used for dispersing heat during summer. The metallic fins on the condensing unit often get dirty and clogged with pollen and grime, so clean the outside of the water hose every season to ensure the unit’s proper functioning. That said, you should not use water pressure while cleaning the hose since it can cause permanent damage to the unit.

Do a visual inspection and keep the outdoor unit clear
There are chances that there is the growth of vegetation or leaves around the outdoor unit. This can cause a problem with the outdoor unit’s airflow, so you need to ensure that any vegetation in the surroundings is trimmed regularly. There needs to be plenty of clear space on all sides of the unit. Keep checking if there is any growth of trees or bushes that have pollens in excess, like cottonwood trees, as they can cause a blockage in the condensing units.

Check the drain pan and pipe regularly
This is another way of ensuring that your HVAC system doesn’t need extensive repairs and the costs don’t drill a hole in your pocket. If you do not know where the drain pipe is located, you can ask a service technician for help. Sometimes, algae or mold buildup in the pipe can cause blockage, so check the drainpipe regularly and clear up any clogging. You can use a wet vacuum to remove any blockages in the pipe or use bleach to clean it. People often notice the blockage in the pipe when water starts coming out through the ceiling, but you can prevent this if you have a ceiling saver or a float switch installed as it helps keep damage from leaks at bay by switching off the air conditioning.

Ensure regular professional maintenance
Getting a licensed technician come and service your HVAC system regularly can help you keep it in its best condition and prevent the need for costly repairs. The preventive maintenance should be performed twice a year to keep the system in order. The technician can perform the following tasks during a maintenance visit:

• Check the drainage system and the drain pipe
• Check the vacuum blower compartments
• Check the voltage
• Check refrigerant levels
• Check the voltage on loose wires and motors