HVAC Maintenance: What Can You Do Yourself?

by | Jul 18, 2017 | Air Conditioning & Heating

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Summer home maintenance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of having a cool summer, but if you want to keep your household cool and your system running smoothly it is a must-do. The cost of having a professional come to inspect your heating and cooling system in Wheaton may not be in your budget. Luckily there are some things that you can do yourself.

Before beginning you will need to make sure you have the following on hand:

  • Garden hose
  • Fin comb
  • Dust brush
  • Screwdriver
  • Fan motor oil

Safety Considerations
The first thing you want to do before beginning is make sure that your air conditioner is switched off.

Cleaning the Fan
Over time your condenser fan will collect dust. Part of regular maintenance includes cleaning the dust off the fan. You’ll want to use a brush and make sure all of the dust is clear before moving to the next step.

Oiling the Fan Motor
Once the fan is clean you can remove the cover grill and fan. The fan will be attached by a setscrew, and should be easily removed. Once you have access to the fan motor, oil it with the lubricant specified in your system’s manual.

Condenser Oils and Fins
Remove the coil guard before cleaning the condenser coils. Use the garden hose to spray it down. Then inspect the fins. If they are bent, use the fin comb to straighten them.

The Filter
Inspect your unit’s filter. Remove the casing and clean it with a cloth. If cleaning doesn’t work or it is damaged beyond repair you will need to purchase a new one to replace it.

Cleaning the Ducts
Your air ducts can be cleaned with a vacuum hose. This should be done regularly in order to remove dust and debris.

When to Call a Professional
If you need to recycle refrigerant, or find broken components while servicing your unit, it is time to call a professional.

Looking for a heating and cooling system in Wheaton? Contact Air-Rite Heating and Cooling at website. Follow us on twitter.

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