If you are spring cleaning your home, you should add your HVAC unit to your to-do list. This will help keep your unit running efficiently so it can keep you and your family cool this summer. Below are some tips on how you can do this to help you get started.

Clean the HVAC Unit

Before you do anything, turn the power off to your HVAC unit by turning off the circuit breaker that powers the unit. Go outside and inspect around the unit and remove anything like built-up leaves, grass, spiderwebs, and any other debris that you may see. If there are any bushes or any other type of foliage close to the unit, make sure they stay trimmed back so they do not block air flow.

Remove the cover from the unit, which is likely screwed on. Once the cover is off, clean out any debris that you see. You can use a garden hose if you see a lot of debris inside. Look at the fins and if you see any that are bent, straighten them up. You can purchase a fin comb at a home improvement store to make it easier to straighten them. Lubricate the motor with oil. Refer to the owner's manual for your unit for instructions on how to do this.

Clean the condenser and evaporator coils at the beginning of each spring. If they have built-up dirt on them, they will not function well. The owner's manual will also give you instructions for this.

Check the Condensate Drain Line

Walk outside and inspect the exterior unit, and you will see a small line coming from the unit that is dripping water. This is the condensate drain. The job of this drain line is to remove condensation built up inside the HVAC unit. The condensation comes from the evaporator coil. If the line is not cleaned properly, things like mold, mildew, and algae can grow inside of it and cause it to clog up. If this happens, the inside of your home will have high humidity levels, and you will likely smell musty odors.

Fortunately, you can clean the drain line on your own. All you need is some rags, distilled white vinegar, a wet/dry vacuum, and a funnel.  

Inspect the drain line periodically throughout the year so you can take care of clogs before they become worse.

The best thing you can do is to hire an HVAC contractor, like the professionals at Airtime Heating & Cooling, to come to your home and service your unit.

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