When your home utility bills catch you off guard, something could be wrong with your HVAC system. That’s when maintenance and repairs cross people’s minds. Americans spend over $3000 on utilities, of which almost 50 percent goes to heating and cooling, but there are ways to avoid high energy bills—and costly repairs—with timely HVAC services.
As your Blue Ridge HVAC service professionals, we want to ensure your heating and cooling is in top-notch condition and will not fail you during the hottest or coldest time of the year.
AC Maintenance
Air conditioning maintenance tasks can get exhaustive even for a DIY expert—and not everyone is familiar with replacing air filters or locating coils and the condenser drain. We suggest familiarizing yourself with the following terms and learning how they connect to air conditioning service needs for people in Blue Ridge.
Filters
Clogged air filters will reduce airflow in the vents and cause your system to either overwork or shut off. It will increase energy bills and cause AC damage if it goes unnoticed. You will likely find your filter on the top or bottom of your HVAC unit, which is often located in the attic or basement of homes in Blue Ridge.
Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils are found on the intake side of HVAC equipment and can collect dirt over time, even more so if you don't change your filter frequently. When they have accumulated too much dirt, they will affect airflow and stop your evaporator coil from absorbing heat.
Other than an indoor coil, some homes in Blue Ridge have an outdoor condenser coil that is more prone to getting dirty and needs seasonal maintenance services to ensure it gets adequate airflow.
Refrigerant Level
The refrigerant in your air conditioner is a chemical substance that absorbs heat and cools temperatures via the evaporator and compressor unit. When at a low level, it won’t be able to absorb the heat through the coils. Checking refrigerant levels is a common part of many appointments for routine AC service in Blue Ridge.
Condensate Drain
The coils are designed to remove humidity by converting it into water, after which it flows into a pan called the condensate drain and then down the draining line. When looking for your condensate drain, try to locate a vertical PVC pipe outside that connects with the outdoor coil.
When drains are clogged, you’ll experience excess moisture in your home that could impact your walls and carpet. We recommend checking your condensate drain for standing water during maintenance and cleaning the drain when necessary.
Attic Fan
An attic fan is designed to circulate fresh air and adequately ventilate the area to keep your home's temperature consistent. The synergy between an attic fan and AC system is a cost-efficient and reliable way to cool your home. For homes in Blue Ridge, we recommend setting your attic fan at about 90°F in the summer.
Blue Ridge AC Maintenance Services:
