Regular maintenance is a must to keep your HVAC system functioning efficiently all summer long. Maintaining your air conditioner and furnace this summer won’t take much time, but it can save you stress by preventing potential breakdowns that can affect your indoor comfort. As an added bonus, most of the tasks you perform to keep your air conditioner in great shape will help protect your furnace during the summer as well. Contact a local Atlanta HVAC professional for more details about maintaining your home’s HVAC system to continue enjoying energy efficiency and problem-free function.

Change Your Air Filter

One simple—yet essential—way to keep your HVAC system in top condition this summer is to change its filter regularly. Air filters are designed to remove airborne particles such as dirt, dust, and pollen, preventing them from reaching your HVAC system’s working components and circulating throughout your home. Over time, however, the filter will fill up with dirt and dust, reducing airflow through your entire HVAC system until the filter is replaced. Dirty filters can reduce HVAC performance by up to 15 %, increasing your energy bills and affecting the longevity of the system. Changing your filter takes only a few minutes, but will help protect both your air conditioner and furnace from dirt and dust buildup that can rob these systems of efficiency and cause premature wear.

Clear the Area

In most homes, the furnace and air conditioner are located in a garage, basement, or crawlspace. There areas are often used for storage, but placing items too close to your HVAC system could affect the performance of your unit. If these items fall, they can cause damage to the system or its ductwork. You can avoid this issue by keeping the area around your furnace and air conditioner clear for at least three feet in all directions. Limiting clutter in this space will also make the area less enticing for pests, which can damage your HVAC system as well. Keep in mind that your central air conditioner has an outdoor component as well, which houses the compressor and condenser. Maintaining the outdoor component of your air conditioner is just as important as protecting its indoor counterpart. Trim landscaping and trees away from the condenser and check the area frequently for signs of pests. Clear away other debris and check the area after storms or windy days to ensure blowing or falling objects haven’t damaged the system.

In addition to these steps, you should also schedule a yearly professional tune-up to keep your HVAC system performing at its best. Visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive HVAC services in Marietta and Atlanta, or to schedule service for your home. We invite you to explore the other articles on our blog for more do-it-yourself tips and inside information on when you need to call in a professional to handle heating and cooling issues.