Proper Maintenance is Establishing a Routine
What do you do to extend the life of your teeth? Every kindergartener knows the answer: brush twice a day, floss, and visit a dentist for a regular check-up twice a year.
What should you do to extended the life of your HVAC system? Change your filters every 30-90 days (depending on filter type) and schedule a cleaning twice a year. Here’s why:
Changing Filters Improves Airflow and Minimizes Build-up
Last week we wrote about which air filter is best for your heating and air conditioning system. For most residential systems, Cooper Mechanical Services recommends the 30-day, 1” fiberglass filters. Fiberglass filters will trap the big stuff and let the micro-particles through. This is actually a benefit because the fiberglass filter is less prone to clogging and results in increased air flow, making your system more efficient at cooling or heating rooms.
While these “boulder catcher” filters are good for trapping the big stuff, they can still build up quickly depending on your home and activity, so be sure to change them regularly at the same time each month.
If your filter builds up with dirt and dust mites, your HVAC system has to fight harder to push air through, and as a result with run longer to cool a room, which isn’t good for your power bill either.
Make Changing Filters a Routine
We don’t forget to brush our teeth because it was a routine drilled into each of us from an early age. Now it is a habit that we aren’t likely to forget. Changing your air filter should be the same way. There are plenty of ways to make it a habit:
- Write it on the family planner or calendar for the same day each month
- Add it to your calendar or tasks app on your smartphone and set a reminder notification
- Buy air filters in bulk so you have them on hand for easy replacement
- Consider an HVAC air filter subscription service that mails a box to your home each month
Clean and Service is Important, Too
Changing your filters is just one part of the equation. Just like visiting a dentist twice a year, scheduling a routine cleaning bi-annually is vital for the health and longevity of your HVAC unit.
Cooper’s Mike Ruggieri said, “in the Myrtle Beach and greater Grand Strand area, salt air is the big predator on the life of outdoor units.” If you are close to the ocean (within 10 miles or so), there’s a greater likelihood of rust and corrosion. “A clean and service contract let’s us visit your units twice a year and clean them properly, including a chemical wash on the evaporator coil.”
Cooper’s Clean and Service contract is also a great way to identify potential problems before they escalate. CMS service professionals, in addition to cleaning the coils, drains and pans, will also inspect the electrical systems and motors.
After the clean and service, customers will receive a detailed report on the condition and health of their unit. Knowing a unit may need a major repair in the near future allows homeowner’s the plan and save accordingly.
Invest in Your HVAC System with Scheduled Maintenance
Cooper Mechanical Services’ Clean and Service contract is $140 per unit. If you are interested in scheduling one for your home or business, Call Cooper.