3 Must-Know Tips to Make Your HVAC Unit Last Longer in Hawaii
July 13th, 2021The hot temperatures that come with island life in Hawaii makes an air conditioner vital to maintaining comfortable temperatures indoors. When you’re relying on a piece of equipment like your HVAC unit to make your living space comfortable, you should be taking measures to ensure that it lasts a long time.
1) Be Eco-Friendly
In addition to being great for the environment, using eco-friendly HVAC settings can also extend the lifespan of your system. There are a couple of ways you can achieve this result.
First, you can turn up your air conditioner when no one is home. Doing this allows your air conditioner to stop working overtime to keep your home cool. We’re not suggesting that you turn it off completely! Instead, turn the temperature up a bit so that your home isn’t quite as cool when you aren’t home. Not only is this great for your air conditioner’s lifespan and the environment, it’s also great for your pocketbook! Reduced energy expenditures will save you money in the short- and long-term.
Another way you can be eco-friendly is to use a thermostat with built-in eco-friendly settings. Nest thermostats have several settings available that make eco-friendly choices easy! This includes an all-encompassing eco mode which prevents the user from lowering the air conditioning temperature below 76. This is particularly handy if someone in your house (*cough* your kids *cough*) tries to lower the temperature without permission. The Nest prevents them from doing so, and it can also be password protected.
Additionally, the Nest also has automatic fan settings that allow you to have the fan kicked on during certain times of the day to ensure air is circulating around your home. This reduces the temperature without turning the air conditioner on.
2) Replace Air Filters Regularly
Utilizing eco-friendly settings is a moot point, however, if you aren’t changing your air filters at the appropriate intervals. Air filters work to filter out dust and other particulates that can damage your air conditioner. This is important because your air conditioner works by sucking in air from your home and cooling it over the evaporator coil, before blowing it back out through your vents to cool your home down. Removing these fine particles from the air during this process keeps them from clogging up numerous parts of your air conditioner.
Replacing your air filter is quick and easy! Simply locate the return air duct to your HVAC unit—it’s usually a 20- by 20-inch air vent, but sizes may vary. Once you’ve found it, open it up to remove the old air filter. Insert the new air filter in its place, and toss out the old one. Repeat these steps each month to help keep your air conditioner in good condition.
3) Regular AC Tune-Ups
HVAC maintenance should be carried out twice each year to preserve the life of your unit. These tune-ups include a comprehensive inspection of your air conditioner. As a result, minor maintenance issues can often be caught before they cause major problems. Your AC technician should be testing the fuses, compressor, fan blade, and other key components of your air conditioner in addition to checking for safety concerns. If there are components that need to be cleaned or replaced, they should be able to advise you as needed.
There are several measures you can take to make your HVAC last longer in a tropical climate like Hawaii. At Island Comfort, our technicians perform thorough 32-point AC tune-ups to maintain and prevent damage to our customers’ air conditioners. If your HVAC isn’t running properly, or you’d like to have a 32-point AC tune-up, visit our website for more information.
Costly Mistakes You Can Prevent with HVAC Maintenance
May 11th, 2021Your HVAC system is a crucial part of your home. It ensures that the temperature is comfortable no matter the season. It also helps filter the air in your house so that allergens and dander aren’t aggravating your sinuses. If you don’t properly take care of your HVAC system, it can end up costing you greatly. Check out some of the most expensive mistakes that can be prevented with regular HVAC maintenance below.
Air Contamination and Clogs
If you don’t regularly change the air filter on your HVAC unit, it can cause several problems. It can lead to indoor air pollution that could aggravate allergies or asthma. Furthermore, if your filter becomes very clogged, it could lead to damage within your HVAC unit.
Ideally, you should be changing your HVAC filter every month for the best results. If you have difficulties with indoor air quality, then it may be a good idea to get a HEPA filter. These are designed to filter much smaller particles, which can help improve the air quality of your home.
Drain Line Clogs
If you don’t get your HVAC unit regularly serviced, there is a potential for drain line clogs. Not only can these damage the unit itself, but they can also cause puddles around the unit, leading to water damage in other parts of your home.
Moisture should be following the lines and draining outside. If they become clogged, you may begin to notice puddles around your unit. This should be immediately checked by an HVAC professional. Clogs can also occur on the outdoor portion of the unit, so make sure to keep it clean and free of leaves or debris.
Energy Costs
An improperly functioning unit will require more energy to operate, which you may begin to notice in your energy bill. If your unit is dirty or not functioning properly, it will struggle to heat or cool. This makes it consume more energy. To prevent this, you should have your unit serviced regularly.
Regular Maintenance of HVAC Systems
The bottom line is that you should have your HVAC unit regularly tuned up. Every spring and fall should do. Not only will this help it operate efficiently, but it also means potential issues will be detected early on. This way, you are not paying for emergency repair services.
When a technician comes to service your unit, they upkeep many parts of the HVAC. This includes cleaning coils, cleaning the drain lines, checking for any leaks, ensuring various parts are functioning correctly, changing the filter, and checking the refrigerant. These are all critical components that can fail if they are not properly cleaned or serviced.
There will be costs associated with having your unit regularly serviced, but it will save you money in the long run. It’s cheaper to pay for regular maintenance than massive repair bills. Regular HVAC maintenance will also extend the life of your unit, so you won’t spend a large sum on a new system as soon.
Need HVAC Maintenance Near Me?
If you are looking to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system or are having issues, contact us here at Island Comfort. We offer professional air conditioning and heating services in Kauai and Oahu. As a family-owned and operated company, our goal is to ensure that you and your family are comfortable no matter the season. Our services include installation, repair, and tune-up services.