With temperatures in the 90s for the past month, we are all trying to find relief from that summer heat.  This relief usually comes in the form of air conditioning. Running night and day, your HVAC system is working overtime to keep you cool during these summer months. Putting this much stress on your system is likely to cause your HVAC system to break down. And an HVAC failure on a 100-degree day is disastrous. You can avoid your home turning into a sauna by regularly maintaining your HVAC system. Keep cool by following these important HVAC maintenance tips:

­Change the Air Filters

It is recommended that you change or clean your HVAC air filter every month. Replacing the filter is an easy task that ensures your HVAC unit runs efficiently. It is best to use electrostatic filters that can be bought in bulk so you always have a back up.

Cleaning the filters is an inexpensive way to maintain your HVAC unit; however, it is a far messier job than replacing them.  If you do choose to clean the filters, make sure that you wait until the filter is completely dry before putting it back.

Check Your Duct Work

If you own an HVAC unit, you need to check your duct work regularly. This could be the most important way to keep your HVAC unit running smoothly.  If a duct is disconnected, punctured or crushed, it can reduce efficiency. This, in turn, runs your electricity bill up.  Make sure to check for drafty seals and insulation loss. This can cause your HVAC system to run inefficiently and drive costs up as well.  If you happen to find either of these problems in your home, call a NATE certified HVAC professional immediately.

Routinely Check Your Outdoor Unit

Clean out any twigs or leaves that may have accumulated in and around your unit. To prevent mass amounts of debris from gathering in your system, make sure there is a two-foot perimeter around your unit that is free of vegetation. You’ll also want to refrain from casting grass clippings at your intake grill when you mow your lawn.

Additionally, keep your outdoor intake fan in the shade during the summer months. Doing so increases its efficiency by ten percent. Shaded air is an average of 6-degrees cooler, which can make a huge difference.

Remember that whenever you need an HVAC professional to service your unit, make sure that they are fully licensed in the state of your residence and that they are NATE certified technicians. Our technicians at Eco-Green Air are both fully licensed in the state of North Carolina and NATE certified. Feel free to give us a call at (919) 782-3111 or you can find us online at egreenair.com.