Tim St. Amand shares five DIY HVAC tips: remove winter AC covers, clean or replace indoor air filters, clear debris around outdoor condensers, unblock vents, and test thermostat batteries and settings.
MANITOULIN鈥擳he following are some pro tips from an Island expert on do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance.
A surprising number of homeowners forget to go outside and remove the winter cover from their outdoor AC condenser. This is the first thing you should do once the winter weather has left.
Your filter has been working overtime all winter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your AC or heat pump work harder and potentially causing it to freeze up. Replace with a clean air filter or in the case of a ductless heat pump, remove the reusable filter, clean it under running water, allow to dry and then reinsert into the unit.
Your outdoor condenser needs proper airflow to function efficiently. Debris, leaves, grass clippings and vegetation can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency by up to 20 percent. It is beneficial if you keep the grass and vegetation around your outdoor condenser trimmed so it gets the proper airflow.
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