You depend on your HVAC system to keep your home warm in winter and comfortably cool during the hottest part of summer in Huntersville, North Carolina. Properly maintaining your outdoor unit and protecting it against damaging elements can ensure its longevity and promote more comfortable indoor temperatures for you and your family throughout the year.
Choose the Right Location
Your air conditioning system runs often during hot weather. Making sure it has plenty of shade can help it to operate more efficiently. The right location for your installation will offer shade during the heat of the day. It is also best to position the unit away from other landscaping and obstructions that could block the movement of air around its components. Most experts recommend allowing for two or three feet of clearance on all sides of the unit and at least five feet of clearance overhead. Doing so allows the unit to release heat more effectively, so you enjoy greater comfort without increasing your energy bills.
Keep Things Clean
Dust, weeds, and other obstructions can reduce airflow through your condenser and interfere with its ability to cool your home effectively. Keeping your exterior unit free from any encroaching greenery can boost its performance and promote greater energy efficiency as it works to keep you comfortable indoors. By eliminating any debris in the vicinity of your outdoor cooling unit and trimming weeds and other vegetation, you can promote easier air flow to reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner and more comfortable temperatures inside your home.
Proceed with Caution
It is wise to monitor the area around the unit occasionally, but you must be mindful of the methods you use. Taking a little extra care when mowing your lawn or caring for your landscaping can prevent damage to the exterior HVAC component. Always blow and cut debris away from the unit. Wayward branches or stones, for example, can cause damage to coolant lines and coil fins. It might not be easy to remove a foreign objected lodged within. It is best, therefore, to contact a professional who has the right tools and expertise to remove debris without causing harm.
Bundle Up
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends covering your outdoor unit with a tarp or other protective material. This can prevent winter weather from having an unwanted impact on your outdoor equipment and can protect your HVAC system. A waterproof plastic covering can provide solid protection for your unit even during the worst winter storms in the Huntersville, North Carolina, area. By packing away your outdoor unit in winter, you can protect it from leaves, branches, and even small animals. That way, you can safeguard its operation for when spring rolls around.
Perform an Annual Tuneup
Regular maintenance is a must to keep your heating and cooling system in tip-top condition year after year. Working with an experienced and established company is essential for achieving the most accurate results. ENERGY STAR recommends a tuneup of your HVAC equipment once in fall to prepare for winter, and again in spring to ensure optimal performance during the hot, humid months ahead. Regular maintenance will help your HVAC system to last longer, and our service techs will be able to identify any small problems before they develop into major issues.
At Horne Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., we take pride in our outstanding customer service and our commitment to top-quality care for your HVAC system. We offer comprehensive air conditioning repair, maintenance, and new installation services. We also provide indoor air quality solutions and ductwork design. Our Premier Efficiency Program is designed to ensure a comprehensive check of your system. To learn more about our full lineup of expert services, call us today at (704) 321-4173. We offer free estimates and service any brand or model HVAC system. Our entire team looks forward to the opportunity to serve you.
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