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Your HVAC system may be your lifeline during the hot summer months, so it’s important that you do everything possible to prevent it from failing. Fortunately, maintaining an HVAC unit doesn’t always have to involve a lot of technical skills or arduous work. Here are a few ways to prevent a system failure.

 

Look for Holes and Cracks

Any holes or cracks along the ducts can leak cold air and prevent it from filling up your home. Any holes or cracks that are found should be repaired quickly to prevent further air from being wasted. You may have to hire a professional to inspect the ducts, or you can try doing the job yourself. Certain companies in your area may offer comprehensive residential and commercial HVAC services that include both inspections and repairs.

 

Clean Your System

Dust, dirt, cobwebs and other types of filth can be problematic for your system and interfere with its performance. Ice might form on a condensed coil that’s dirty and could damage your unit. To clean your unit, make sure the power is turned off before opening the blower compartment to vacuum the inside of it. Any condenser fins should also be vacuumed. The drain tube can be cleaned with a pipe cleaner. A dirty air filter should be replaced. If you have an outdoor unit, remove the fan and spray it down with water along with the inside of the empty air conditioner.

 

Look for Signs of a Failing Compressor

The compressor may have to be replaced if it’s keeping your unit from working the way that it should. If your system shakes or makes loud noises when being turned on, this could indicate a failing compressor. No cold air coming from your unit is another telltale sign of a compressor that isn’t working properly. Your faulty compressor may even be causing your circuit breaker to trip and disrupt power to your unit.

 

Protect Your Unit for the Winter

The air conditioning part of your HVAC system should be safeguarded for the cold winter months so that you can continue to use it each summer. If you have an outdoor central air conditioner, Energy.gov suggests covering it to protect it from cold weather, debris and other environmental elements. A room air conditioner can either be covered or removed and stored in a safe place.

 

You can keep your HVAC unit working for the long run if you take the proper precautions. Following the right protocol to protect your unit can also save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.