HVAC Air Filter Housing: One of the most critical maintenance tasks that should always be addressed is cleaning and changing your air filters. Your filter’s cleanliness directly affects the quality of air that circulates through your home. It also keeps dust and debris from clogging fans, coils, and motors, helping extend the life of your HVAC system.
Clean the HVAC Air Filter Housing
If air filters are clogged with dirt, they can reduce fresh air flow through an HVAC air filter housing system. The system will have to work harder, wasting energy. This can lead to higher operating costs, which are then passed onto the homeowner. As needed, clean or replace the air filter. A simple hose attachment vacuum will do the trick if the filter is dirty. However, if you notice a buildup of grime, it may be necessary to wash the filter. Fill the sink with white vinegar or diluted liquid soap and soak the filter for one hour. A schedule will help you avoid missing scheduled maintenance appointments and getting a costly repair bill.
Check the Connections
While the air filter may seem like a relatively simple component of home heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC equipment, these filters significantly impact overall system performance and indoor comfort. They can keep allergens out of ventilation systems and ductwork, help improve indoor air quality, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of home heating and cooling systems. A professional technician can check the connections to ensure they are clean and tight, allowing for proper airflow. They can also use a Magnehelic gauge to detect a pressure drop indicating the filter gets dirty or clogged. This prevents expensive repair bills. Scheduled maintenance checks can also alert a homeowner to forthcoming repair issues before they lead to an unscheduled breakdown.
Check the Seals
The air filter is inserted into a duct opening, often located in the return air vent. The air filter housing should have an arrow on the frame that points in the direction of airflow toward the blower. If the arrow is not pointing in the correct order, it indicates that the filter is too small or is blocked by some object. Clogged air filters can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, requiring expensive repairs or even replacement. HVAC Air Filter Housing
Home inspectors should check for proper duct seals for routine HVAC maintenance. Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape and outside air to enter, which leads to inefficient systems and increased utility bills. Having the ducts professionally sealed can help prevent these problems and prolong the life of your HVAC system.
Change the Filter
The easiest and cheapest way to maintain a healthy home system is by replacing your filters regularly. Filters that are dirty or clogged restrict airflow, which makes the system work harder. The compressor can overheat, causing it to wear out. Regular maintenance increases the life of HVAC systems by 43% and reduces energy consumption by 15%. Always turn off your heating and cooling system before changing the filter to avoid accidental contact with electrical parts. HVAC Air Filter Housing
The old filter should be removed, cleaned in a tub with water and a vinegar solution, then dried before re-inserting. The number of pets and their size, the presence of children in your household, and the insulation and ductwork of your home will all affect the frequency of filter replacement. HVAC Air Filter Housing
