How to Avoid High Electric Bills By Maintaining Your HVAC System 

 

Since warmer weather is finally here, many Coloradoans feel the summer months are coming in with a vengeance. If you have already been setting your thermostat to lower temperatures, it’s important to know your air conditioner or HVAC system. Homeowners need to have the proper maintenance to operate efficiently without blowing your money out the window. Follow these tips to avoid high electric bills by maintaining your homes HVAC system. 

Why You Need to Maintain Your HVAC System

With temperatures already reaching in the 90s, we in Northern Colorado are already seeking ways to avoid high electric bills by maintaining HVAC systems. Many central air units have sat dormant for the winter with exposure to increment weather where they may have taken a beating. It’s important to know what’s up with your home’s HVAC system to avoid paying an outrageous amount. 

Steps You Can Take to Ensure Your Air Conditioner Will Work Properly 

First, do a complete inspection before you begin. Take off the cover and look inside and on the exterior to determine if you’re able to conduct the maintenance yourself or if it needs a professional.

Clean the Exterior and Remove Debris

You’ll then want to clean the exterior unit outside to ensure it’s free of any debris that could cause the system to overheat, or not work at its optimum capacity. During the winter months there is plenty of wind blowing leaves, sticks and other trash which will cause your air conditioner to become contaminated. In addition, the HVAC will not operate at its fullest strength causing a spike in your bill. You can hire a professional or DIY. 

Look for Online-Tutorials for Help

If you plan on cleaning the unit yourself, you can find plenty of tutorials online. Be sure to clean your air filters to ensure you won’t forget as these should have a replacement every couple of months. You’d be surprised how much this can affect the performance and air quality. 

Clogged Filters Can Fill the Air with Bacteria 

Health issues are also a problem with faulty and old air conditioner units and filters. Clogged filters can release harmful bacteria which could cause issues with breathing and allergies amongst other things. Also, our beloved pets shed dander and hair, causing even more problems when they block functioning at maximum. 

The Blower Fan is the Most Important Component of Any HVAC

Next, let’s address the blower or fan as these are imperative for full operation of your AC. This part of the machine may need to have a cover removed to reach. But it’s an important part since things can clog the unit where they can cause even more damage later. 

Condenser Units Can Be Complex to Clean and Repair, Hire a Pro

Your condenser unit is where you’ll want to dive in next. Remember, repair and service at least 1x per year as they are the most important component of any AC unit’s operations. This is also a more complex procedure as you have to ensure your cleaning from the inside out to avoid more debris from entering the fan or fins. 

Use Web Coil Cleaner on the Outer Perimeters

Using a WEB COIL Cleaner spray on the outer perimeters of the HVAC system. The solution should evaporate without a trace. However, it’s hard to find this time of year as everyone is attempting to fix their ACs for the season.

Air Handler and Furnace are Part of HVAC Equation

Another important part of your AC unit is the air handler and furnace. Colorado homes will often store these in the basement or a closet. Either place, you will inspect the outside of the air handler and evaporator coils to ensure they connect properly. You’ll then check the line for draining and condensation release. 

Don’t Forget to Insulate Your Exterior Refrigerant Line

Speaking of lines to and from the HVAC, you must cover outdoor parts such as the refrigerant line with insulation. Since Northern Colorado is dry, this insulation will wear with time exposed to the elements. You can pick this material up at The Home Depot but be sure to tack it in place with zip ties to clasp it around the line. 

Clean with a Soft Scrub Brush and Foaming Air Conditioner

Last, you will clean the exterior of the unit with a soft scrub brush and a foam air conditioner cleaner. This is a gentle material which you will rinse off once you’re finished. After spraying the detergent, take the scrub brush and gently remove what’s left of the debris, then do your rinse. You can find this cleaner on Amazon or get it from the local hardware store. 

Your HVAC System May Need Maintenance Before Selling Your Home

For those of you looking to sell a property, this maintenance is important. When clients are doing a home tour, often they’ll check these units upon the first visit. If the AC or HVAC looks abused, they see dollar signs, and that’s the last you’ll see of them. Be sure to speak with your agent who can also call for a home valuation to give you the best advice. 

Re-Cap

HVAC systems are an important item in any household during both winter and springtime. However, as Loveland, Colorado continues to have rising temperatures we must remember, our AC might take a beating. By keeping these appliances in top shape, you’ll have less stress. The home’s environment will also be safer without all the released pollutants. In addition, in the event you’re ready to sell, you won’t get lower offers because of costly expected repairs. 

We hope you found this information to be helpful as a homeowner. For more details on buying and selling properties, speak with me, John Feeney. I provide excellence in service and have a stellar reputation as a professional in real estate. 

Drop your comments if you have questions about your home’s value or selling during the Coronavirus.