Your HVAC system is a key player in your indoor comfort at home, no matter what the season. But as we head into summer, it is even more important to make sure that your HVAC is in great working order so that you can count on it to keep you cool.
In addition to ensuring that your A/C is reliable, engaging in ongoing maintenance will also actively help you avoid having to get expensive repairs done- or worst case- replace your HVAC altogether.
We’ve put together a list of top tips for jobs that should be attended to on a monthly basis.
Check the Filter
Keeping an eye on your filter is at the top of this list because your air filter will influence the air quality in your home, your HVAC’s energy efficiency levels as well as how effectively it can cool your home.
If you let it get too dirty, your HVAC can break down. In some cases, it can even freeze when your A/C is 
going, and then re-thaw which causes leaks and potential water damage.
This can all be avoided by checking on your air filter once a month. For a reusable filter, clean it off with a sponge, soap, and water.
It’s recommended that you replace regular filters on average every month, especially if your A/C runs full time.
Tune-Up Time
Make this month your annual HVAC maintenance month.
Having your HVAC service is one of the easiest, most cost effective things that you can do to prevent expensive repairs.
The technician will properly clean your HVAC components, which means that they will run better and longer.
They’ll also locate any red flags so that you can repair the problem now for a little, rather than paying significantly more for a larger problem.
Clean Debris Outdoors
It’s especially important, given the season, to make sure that your condenser isn’t surrounded by trees, branches or hedges outside.
Trim them back and give the unit several feet of clearance.
Also, inspect your unit for damage and make sure that it is on even ground.
If it isn’t level, the refrigerants inside won’t be accessed properly, and your unit components won’t be properly lubricated.
It is also a good idea to:
- Clean any branches or trees that may have fallen on top of it
- Wipe the A/C coils down
- Remove the cage fan and wipe the fan blades (which is a good trick to make it run more quietly)
- Clean dirt out of the fins with special care given to the space in between the fins, where caked on dirt hides
