After being in the HVAC business for almost 30 years here in South Metro Atlanta, we’ve seen how important it is for homeowners to understand their HVAC System. We often get asked by homeowners, ”What could I have done to prevent this?” Or “Is there anything I should know about my system to keep it at its best?” 

The answer to these questions will depend on the extent of the repair. Sometimes, the repair could not have been prevented, but often there are things someone could do to minimize the extent of the damage. 

Here are some of the things you can do and information every homeowner should know about their HVAC system to keep an energy-efficient system. 

Air Filters 

Most of us know that air filters need to be replaced but the question is “What is the optimal schedule?” The frequency at which you change your home’s filter will depend on several factors, such as the number of pets in your home, how much your HVAC system runs, the age of your system, and whether you or a family member has respiratory issues. 

Keep in mind, that spring here in Georgia means lots and lots of pollen, so this could affect how often you change your filter in the Spring. 

The best thing you can do is ask a member of our team to help you determine how often you should change your filter, so your system operates at its optimal range. 

Thermostat 

Thermostats like any home electronic need to have their batteries changed. It’s a good idea to have a set of fresh batteries on hand. Most thermostats use AA or AAA batteries. 

You have the batteries, but how do you know it’s time to change them? All thermostats that use batteries will have an indicator on the screen when it’s time for the batteries to be swapped out. 

Operating within Manufacturer’s Specifications

As we spend more time in our homes, the desired temperatures for cooling have fallen well below the manufacturer’s recommendations. Running your air conditioning system below 72 degrees can inadvertently damage your compressor over a period of time. The compressor in your outdoor unit is designed to compress gas. With temperatures running low on the inside and ambient temperatures low outside, you run the risk of returning straight liquid freon back to your compressor. 

Scroll compressors do not like liquid and over time, the liquid will destroy the plates inside the top of your compressor. The best way to prevent this is to keep your call temperatures above 72 for cooling.

Condensate Drains

For a part that most people don’t know about or even think about, the condensate drain can become a big problem. When the line clogs up with build-up, it is the perfect Petri dish to grow all kinds of science experiments. Untreated condensate drain lines can grow fungus thick enough to completely clog the tube’s ability to drain. 

If you have a new system, we recommend a regimen of a 1/2 cup of bleach every month, which will keep the lines clear. If it’s been years and growth has already started, it is sometimes necessary to flush the line with chemicals and water under pressure to get a new start. 

In the worst case, the accessible drain lines can be replaced, but the lines inside the walls will still need to be flushed. Even after doing all the cleaning, unless you have a magic wand to control spiders, lizards, and dirt daubers, condensate clogs can continue to be an issue if you don’t stay on top of maintenance. 

Your to-do list as a homeowner can sometimes feel neverending, but luckily, Scotty’s Heating and A/C Inc. can help you scratch out the ones relating to HVAC maintenance.  As your trusted HVAC professionals, we inspect, test, and service your HVAC unit, so you don’t get overwhelmed. We not only inspect for these items but many others as well. Learn more about the value of routine HVAC maintenance, here. We also arm homeowners with information and tips on how to keep their systems in top shape.

It is our goal to see you twice a year for HVAC maintenance to ensure your system is operating to the best of its ability as it ages. When the day comes and an upgrade is your best choice, we are there for you to walk you through that process as well.

We also offer many options to control dust, humidity, unwanted smells, and airborne microbial management. We don’t push these options on our customers but are happy to discuss those options with you to fully inform you as you decide what is best for you and your home.