If you are a homeowner in Australia, there is a very good chance you have some form of HVAC system to keep things temperate in your home.
There is a wide variety of options when choosing home heating and air conditioning systems, such as furnaces, stand-alone air conditioners, and heat pumps, all of which can work great to ensure your home always feels as comfortable as possible.
One thing that is common, regardless of your HVAC choice, is that you must maintain your air conditioner and heater systems, or they will not work to their full potential.
This is not something you must add to your weekly list of household chores, but a seasonal task that should become a part of your home’s annual maintenance routine. With the right approach to HVAC maintenance, you can be sure that your system will stand the test of time and continue to operate optimally for many years to come.
Continue reading below to learn more about maintaining your HVAC system so you have a setup that you can rely on moving forward.
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When Should Maintenance Be Performed?
HVAC systems, especially those designed for residential use, are designed with home comfort and ease of use in mind.
These designers know that the average homeowner is not an HVAC technician, so they make things as simple as possible for you when it comes to maintenance. In fact, twice a year, carrying out maintenance tasks, typically before summer and winter, respectively, is really all it takes.
Mishaps and malfunctions do happen, but if you follow routine maintenance on your HVAC system each year, this is all that should be required to keep your system operating optimally for a long time. When you start missing out on your bi-annual maintenance tasks, that is when things can start going wrong, and expensive repairs or even an HVAC replacement will likely be next.
Cold Weather Maintenance
When it comes to HVAC maintenance, regardless of the season, the things that you can do as a homeowner are pretty straightforward.
You should always start by doing a visual inspection of the heating system itself, noting anything that seems wrong or suspicious. Then thoroughly clean the unit, indoors and outdoors if applicable, remembering to clean and/or replace the air filter.
In the colder weather, it is essential to have air-tight ductwork, as heat can escape quickly from even the smallest of gaps. If you are comfortable with it, take the time to examine all the ductwork and seal it if there are any holes or noticeable gaps.
A home-heating system that isn’t airtight will often end up being extremely inefficient, and it won’t take long to notice a difference in performance.
Warm Weather Maintenance
Everyone loves the summertime, but sometimes that sun can get to be just a bit too much, even for the bravest of Aussies. To ensure you keep cool indoors for the summer, you need to follow a very similar routine to the winter one, which will be even easier if this isn’t your first time tackling this task.
The one thing you may need to check on is the cooling system itself. Most air conditioners use some form of freon gas to blast chill the air, and you want to make sure that your cooling source is topped up and ready to go. If you are unsure of what your system uses, a quick call to a professional will solve the issue.
What About Split Systems?
Split systems are exploding in popularity across the entire globe. They are a very useful HVAC system that can be powered in a number of ways but typically run on electricity. These split systems act as both a furnace/heater, an air conditioner, and sometimes even a dehumidifier.
Most of these units have the typical air filter system to clean and replace, but some require specialised annual maintenance. With these systems, it is wise to refer to the manufacturer or retailer for more information to ensure you get things right the first time.
Feeling Handy?
It can be cost-efficient, and not to mention a learning experience, for those homeowners who like to do whatever they can themselves. If you are handy around the home, by all means, give it all you can. On the other hand, if you are not confident with your handyman skills, there is no need to put pressure on yourself, there is always help available.
Leave Certain Things to the Pros
An experienced professional is the right choice for anything above minor maintenance to your home HVAC system. It really doesn’t matter where you are located in the country, you can be sure there will be an HVAC maintenance service somewhere close by. Give your local professionals a call, it is what they do, and they would gladly set up an appointment to go over your system to ensure everything is in tip-top condition.
Regular Maintenance Means A Longer Lifespan For Your HVAC System
When it comes to your HVAC system, regular maintenance will ensure it lives a long life. Of course, there are spontaneous things that can happen, but in most cases, regular maintenance of your HVAC system should make sure it looks after you, your family, and your home well for many years to come.
