Why Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Is Important For Charlotte Homeowners

Charlotte’s ever-changing climate requires a lot from your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. 

This article will help you understand the significance of seasonal HVAC maintenance for Charlotte’s climate. 

Six Basic Seasonal Maintenance Steps

Charlotte, North Carolina can experience extreme swings in temperature at various times of the year.

Here are six steps for basic seasonal HVAC maintenance.

1. Inspect thermostat
2. Clear return vents
3. Change air filters
4. Clean condenser and evaporator coils
5. Inspect heat exchanger
6. Check refrigerant levels

The six steps listed above can help maintain your HVAC unit to keep up with Charlotte’s seasonal changes. 

While many of these maintenance steps can be performed by you, it’s always best to have your HVAC unit inspected and serviced by licensed professionals.

Inspecting The Thermostat Can Ensure Proper Functioning

1. Inspect Thermostat

The thermostat in your home is the only way you can tell if your system is working properly.

When the thermostat isn’t calibrated, you’ll more than likely be hit with high energy bills.

Inspecting the thermostat isn’t an easy job for the average homeowner and should be left to the professionals. A licensed service technician will take a look at all the electrical components to ensure the thermostat and the HVAC system are in sync with each other. 

Smart thermostats are a great way to adjust and control your system whether you’re home or not. Having your thermostat inspected is a cost-effective way to make sure your system is running properly when you need it the most. 

2. Clear Return Vents

The vents in your home are the main source of airflow from your HVAC system. 

These vents both blow air into rooms and pull air from them.

Vents that are blocked by furniture, dirt, or other debris can cause them to malfunction. 

Without proper air flow, air conditioners and furnaces can fail leaving you susceptible to the seasonal temperature changes in Charlotte.

Maintaining proper airflow can help ensure your system is working properly when you need it. 

3. Change Air Filters

Changing air filters is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your HVAC system. Dirty filters can recirculate dirty air back into your home, not to mention it can cause your system to work harder than it needs to.

As the seasons change there are also changes in pollutants and other contaminants in the air.

Clean air filters help sift out these contaminants and allow the system to run at peak efficiency.

Changing air filters is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain your HVAC system. 

Purchasing and replacing air filters every three months can save you from any expensive system replacements. 

4. Clean Condenser and Evaporator Coils

Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils allows HVAC systems to run efficiently.

The buildup of dirt and grime can cause an increase in cooling costs.

Hiring a professional HVAC technician is the best route for cleaning these coils.

Regular cleanings by a professional will extend the life of your system and ensure your home will reach the desired temperature.

5. Inspect Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is a component of your home’s heating system.

When not checked regularly it can lead to a lack of system efficiency and can even be hazardous.

Having your heat exchanger inspected by a professional can ensure your unit will heat during the frigid North Carolina winters.

6. Check Refrigerant Levels

Air conditioning units use chemicals to keep the air cold known as refrigerants. 

Checking the refrigerant levels can guarantee that your system can keep your home cool during the hot Charlotte summers. 

These chemicals can be extremely dangerous to work with, making this job best left to the professionals. The technicians at Horne Heating and Air Conditioning can check these levels to handle and dispose of these chemicals properly.