If you have an air conditioning unit, then you should be aware that an annual checkup is a definite must if you want the unit to run efficiently and last a long time. If you have an HVAC unit that provides you heat in the winter as well, then a twice-yearly service/inspection is best. However, there are three myths which can get in the way of making the most sensible decisions when it comes to you looking after unit, and here at A&E we want to dispel those myths, once and for all.

First, refrigerant only requires occasional topping up. If anyone tells you this, they are lying. All today’s HVAC units come with sufficient refrigerant to last the lifetime of the unit. If an engineer tells you that topping up the refrigerant is part of any maintenance routine, then they are trying one on. Alternatively, it means your system has a refrigerant leak, and that in itself is dangerous enough. Any refrigerant leak needs immediate attention!

Second, closing heating or cooling vents will save you money. It can be tempting to shut down a vent in a room that is seldom used, or is going to be unoccupied for a while. Problem is, all you are doing is creating an imbalance in your system. Instead, you want to install a zone control system which is thermostatically operated. This is the most energy-efficient way of operating your HVAC unit, and will also help to increase its lifespan.

Lastly, your air filter only needs cleaning when annual or bi-annual maintenance is performed. The HVAC air filter is there to protect the HVAC unit, not the quality of air it circulates through your home. The right filter is needed for an HVAC unit and is not the same as the filter you will use to improve the air quality circulating throughout the property. Use too fine a filter with your HVAC unit and you could be restricting vital airflow needed to cool the unit, and this could lead to considerable and costly damage. The main filter will benefit from being cleaned least once every three months, though ideally, monthly.

Here at A&E Air Conditioning and Heating we are keen to share our knowledge with you, and we are more than happy for you to carry out basic and necessary regular maintenance on your HVAC unit. Why not give us a call and we’ll come out and run you through the basics, to ensure that when it comes to doing your annual, or twice-yearly checkup, there is only the minimum for us to do, which will then save you on your overall maintenance costs.