Here at A&E Air Conditioning and Heating we are frequently referring to the need to call out an HVAC engineer to sort out problems with your HVAC unit. However, there is still plenty you can do yourself to keep on top of general maintenance and to help avoid unnecessary breakdowns. These tips will also help to make sure your unit runs at peak efficiency as well.

First, check your air filter. This can often be overlooked in the summer when, in truth, that is the time your filters are most likely to get clogged up with dust and pollen. You should check your air filter every month and if it is disposable, change it every three months. If it is a filter you can clean, then do so on a monthly basis.

Second, give all the vents and as much of the ducting as you can a good clean. Not only does this help the airflow through your property, but it also helps to keep the air from smelling stale. Regular cleaning will prevent a build up of dust, fluff and grime, which can take much longer to clean, and which can require professional help to put right.

Third, check the condenser unit. You will usually find this outside your property, which is why it is so important to check it, especially towards the end of fall when the ground is covered in leaves. Wind can lead to a build up of leaves around your condenser unit, restricting essential airflow. Make sure all leaves and bits of fallen branch are removed, and for extra safety, you could install a free-standing mesh cage around the unit to further protect it from any damage during strong winds.

Beyond carrying out basic maintenance, we also recommend that you have your HVAC unit checked out every six months, or at least once every year, just to make sure that everything is working at its best. If you haven’t already got a regular maintenance contract scheduled, why not give us a call and we can give you a clear breakdown of the very reasonable cost.