Home hvac care

With simple, regular maintenance you can help keep your equipment running reliably and efficiently.

 Modern home heating and cooling equipment relies on a number of interconnected parts and systems, but there are a few, simple things you can do to help protect it. But first, consider the age of your system. If your AC or heat pump was installed more than a decade ago or your furnace more than 12 years ago, think about reaching out to us to evaluate if it's time for a new, higher efficiency system. 

• Read the manufacturer's instructions for air filters in air handlers/furnaces and replace or clean them accordingly. Some air cleaners need a filter replacement only once a year, while others may require more frequent changes.
• Make sure the pans and coils of your humidification/dehumidification units are clean and free of debris. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels can minimize airborne allergens. 
• Clean return grills consistently to keep dust and debris from collecting in ducts and blocking filters.
• Look for holes, loose tape or separated sections in ducts around your air handler. They can allow outside air to leak in and affect the performance of your system. 
• Consider scheduling an indoor air quality test for your home to check for any issues.
•  Avoid negative air pressure from pulling pollens and allergens into your home by confirming your air system is balanced. A dedicated ventilation system can create positive pressure by bringing filtered outside air in.

• Check for holes, loose tape or separated sections in ducts around the air handler. These leaks can disrupt your system's airflow. 
• Change your air handler filter monthly to minimize airflow obstructions, which can waste energy by making your system operate less efficiently.

• Clear anything away from grates that supply air to each room as well as the return grates (usually bigger and located in a hallway). This allows the airflow to move more evenly and more easily throughout your home.
• Remove plant matter and debris from your system's outdoor condenser unit grille. If the inside of the unit is dirty, call Palmetto Energy. We have the tools and skills to power wash the unit properly.
• Check attic and crawl space ducts for holes, loose tape or separated sections that can affect airflow.
• Allow at least two feet of clearance around the outdoor unit. Cut back any plants or shrubs, as needed. 
• Set the thermostat mode to cooling (and heating for heat pumps) to ensure it's operating. If you hear any unexpected noises, call your Palmetto Energy.
• Change your air handler filter monthly to minimize airflow obstructions and wasted energy.
• Confirm the condensate line is clear to permit liquid runoff.
• Schedule yearly system maintenance with Palmetto Energy.

• Check that your furnace completes a normal cycle from start-up to shutdown. Watch the thermostat reading to make sure the system shuts off when it reaches the high temperature set point. If it shuts off before it reaches the high set point, call Palmetto Energy. It's probably experiencing a short cycling issue.
• Clear away everything near the grates that supply air into each room, as well as large return air grates.
• Remove obstacles around your furnace and safety switch on the furnace door.
• Look for rust or gaps on the vent connections in the exhaust pipe and chimney.
• Check that your carbon dioxide monitor is working properly and has new batteries.
• Change furnace filters as directed by owners manual.
• Schedule yearly system maintenance with Palmetto Energy.

 Lengthen your system's life and save energy by regularly completing a few easy maintenance tasks.