How Often Should HVAC Systems Be Cleaned?

Living in Central Florida, when the weather gets too hot, you’re probably happy to retreat into your climate-controlled home. There’s nothing more comforting than that gentle, rhythmic lull of your AC doing what it does best.

However, if you don’t clean your HVAC unit regularly, you’re bound to come home one day to temperatures inside your home that make it feel more like a terrarium. It can be hard to do anything else while at home, and the longer your air conditioning isn’t running, the more uncomfortable it gets.

Having your HVAC system cleaned at the proper intervals will ensure its longevity. It will also prevent it from breaking more often, saving you money down the road.

Why Should You Have Your HVAC System Cleaned?

With every passing day, dirt and grime accumulates in your HVAC unit. This can impact the coils, making it difficult for your air conditioner to run efficiently and cool your home. Without a proper professional cleaning, this forces your unit to run for longer and harder, leading to wear and tear on parts that are more expensive to repair.

By having it cleaned, you optimize its efficiency. Cleaning the ducts helps too, for it rids your air of circulating dirt and dust. This can improve your air quality and keep your HVAC from having too much buildup.

When Should You Have Your HVAC System Cleaned?

For the best results, you should have your air conditioner professionally serviced once per year. With that HVAC system cleaned up and tuned up by a certified technician, you can stay cool and confident throughout the year.

With an HVAC cleaning, your technician will check levels for the coolant, clean the coils, check your air filter, and perform other tasks that ensure your air conditioning system is in good condition.

Ducts will not need to be cleaned quite as often, though it will depend on how much dust has accumulated. You can simply shine a flashlight into them and if you see dust, you should have them cleaned too.

Keeping Your HVAC Unit from Getting Dirty

You can also do your part to ensure your HVAC runs well between service appointments.

Tend to Your Yard Space

On the outside, keep the unit free and clear of weeds, organic debris, and wood mulch. These items can be sucked or blown into the coils and fins of the condenser. Rocks are a better choice as they can’t get into those crevices during heavy rain spells or when your lawn company blows grass trimmings away.

Keep Your Home Clean

Inside your home, dust and vacuum often keep things clean. This will prevent too much dirt and dust from getting into the HVAC system. 

Change Your HVAC Filter

Each month, check your air filter for your AC unit. Depending on certain lifestyle factors such as whether you have pets, allergies, or smoke, you may need to change it every month or every three months. Checking it monthly ensures you’ll replace it when it’s dirty to allow for proper air circulation in your home.

How to Clean Your HVAC System

While you should do your part to keep things maintained in and around your home, you’ll want to contact AC repair contractors that are licensed, insured, certified, and experienced. In this way, you’ll always be assured that your HVAC system is being properly maintained every year.

With yearly service, you’ll avoid catastrophe on the hottest days of summer and be able to stay cool and comfortable within your home.

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