As a homeowner, you’re probably aware of the fact that your HVAC system is a significant investment. Whether you’ve had the same HVAC unit in place since you first moved in or you paid years ago to upgrade to a new one, one thing’s for sure: You’re going to want to do whatever it takes to preserve that system and ensure that it serves your home well.
When it comes to making the most out of your HVAC system, proper maintenance is truly important. Although there are certain things that you, as a homeowner, can do to keep your HVAC unit running properly, there are certain methods of maintenance that only a trained HVAC professional is equipped to perform. One such example is that of the chemical cleaning.
Kathryn Hoelscher is a manager at Aramendia Plumbing Heating & Air, a San Antonio company that prides itself on top-notch customer service and competitive pricing for all of its installation and repair jobs, and according to her, a chemical cleaning can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Therefore, if an HVAC professional recommends that you get one, you’d be wise to listen to his advice.
During a chemical cleaning of an HVAC system, a professional will use a non-acid coil cleaner to remove excess dirt and debris from the unit’s evaporator or condenser coils. This specialty type of cleaning can serve multiple purposes. First of all, the cleaner your HVAC unit is, the more efficiently it is going to run. Additionally, a buildup of dirt and debris means that the air that gets circulated around your house may not be as clean as it should be. By having your unit thoroughly cleaned, you’ll be contributing to a healthier indoor environment full of contaminant-free air.
Although you may have to pay a bit of money in exchange for a thorough chemical cleaning, you should simply chalk it up to an investment in the functionality of your HVAC system. Furthermore, if your unit isn’t loaded up with debris, then it’s bound to run in a more energy-efficient fashion following a chemical cleaning. This, in turn, can save you a significant amount of money on your heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
How often should you get a chemical cleaning for your HVAC unit? According to Hoelscher, chemical cleanings are generally not scheduled at specific intervals, but rather, are performed on an “as needed” basis. Ideally, you should be bringing in an HVAC professional to inspect your unit every spring and every fall. If your HVAC contractor notices an unhealthy amount of dirt and debris when he performs his checkup, then he may recommend a chemical cleaning to address the problem before it causes your unit to stop working well.
Although chemical cleanings do not usually constitute significant financial burdens, you should know that if you properly maintain your HVAC system throughout the year, then these types of cleanings may not be necessary all that often (if ever). The key, says Hoelscher, is to bring in an HVAC professional for a spring and fall checkup while doing your own preventative maintenance about once a month.
Remember, the better the shape of your HVAC system, the more comfortable (and healthy) your indoor environment is likely to be. By committing yourself to the proper maintenance schedule and getting your unit chemically cleaned as necessary, you’ll be doing your part to preserve your HVAC unit for many years to come.
