If you have central HVAC that is over 10 years old, it could probably benefit greatly from some basic upgrades. There are so many working parts in any central HVAC system that some are bound to get broken or simply become less productive after years of usage. As a homeowner, even if you do invest in regular maintenance, there's a very good chance that certain components will need to be serviced or replaced. Furthermore, you need to realize how important and interconnected your system is.
If even just one component is not working at top efficiency because of neglect, it can affect many of the other components in your system. HVAC systems are made out of small, simple parts combined with complex electrical and gas components, so it is a complicated network. Often, simple and cheap maintenance and repairs end up being very useful and money saving in the long term.
Cleaning Inside the Furnace Cabinet
One of the most useful DIY HVAC maintenance jobs is cleaning inside the main furnace cabinet. The furnace cabinet houses many key components of an HVAC system. This is where heat is created and where the fan blows it into the duct system. Basically, it is where cold air is pumped out of the house, and warm air is pumped in. So, if you clean your furnace once a year, is going to have a positive impact on your system, and it could help to curb ever-increasing utility bills.
What and How to Clean
There are two important things you need to do when cleaning inside your furnace cabinet. First of all, you want to start by vacuuming up any loose dirt and debris inside of it. If you have a hose attachment that has a brush and tip, you can knock it loose and suck up the majority of the dirt. However, there is often moisture inside the furnace cabinet, meaning that much of the dirt is going to stay stuck to the surfaces. In order to remove all of this dirt, you will need to wipe down the surfaces with a slightly moist rag. Don't use too much moisture, especially when you are wiping near the electric wires and tubing. These vulnerable components need to be handled delicately and should be avoided if possible.
In the end, cleaning your furnace is going to improve its efficiency on a day to day basis. For more information, contact a company like Laroc Refrigeration-Metal Division.
