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Top 5 Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Efficient Ventilation Year-Round
Reading time: 4 min
Comfort
This article was originally published in February 2019 and has been updated to reflect the latest information.
Selecting and installing the right fresh air appliance is only the first step to achieving efficient, effective ventilation. The second is proper servicing techniques, especially during the harsh winter months. During this season, both fresh air appliances with heat recovery (HRVs) and energy recovery (ERVs) work hard to provide homes with fresh indoor air. Designed to bring outdoor air into the home, poor maintenance can hinder these appliances' effectiveness and efficiency.
Data-driven insights highlight the importance of regular maintenance. Studies have shown that proper upkeep can improve system efficiency by 5-15% and extend the lifespan of HVAC systems by 5-10 years. Furthermore, with the growing trend towards smart technologies in HVAC systems, contractors must stay informed to remain competitive. (energy.gov)
As Three Rivers Heating and Cooling in Portland, Oregon, notes:
From the wet, cold winters to the warm, dry summers, your HVAC system is central to maintaining comfort in your home or commercial space. Seasonal HVAC maintenance emerges as not just a practice but a necessity in prolonging the life of your equipment, enhancing energy efficiency, and ensuring your living or working space remains comfortable and safe through every season.
Portland Oregon
To ensure homes receive the freshest air without running up energy bills, refer to and then use these five seasonal maintenance tips:
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#1: Ensure Proper Installation
For HVAC contractors, carefully following installation guidelines is essential to optimizing the performance of clients' HRV/ERV. An unbalanced system or improper sizing can lead to excessive air intake and inefficiency. For Fantech HRV/ERVs, always refer to installation manuals, support materials, and industry best practices. Proper installation not only ensures efficiency but also enhances system longevity.
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#2: Check the Air Filters
Regularly checking and replacing air filters is a straightforward yet essential task that directly impacts both home comfort and the efficiency of fresh air appliances. Over time, filters become clogged, restricting the designed airflow and reducing the amount of fresh air brought into the HVAC system or home. In the case of furnaces, restricted airflow can lead to overheating of the heating coils, especially in models that lack advanced airflow-based heat control, which describes the majority of furnaces in use today. It's important for HVAC contractors to emphasize the importance of routine filter maintenance to homeowners, as this ensures better indoor air quality, system efficiency, and equipment longevity.
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Pro Tip: To help homeowners remember to change their filters, consider offering a sign-up for convenient text or email reminders. By providing this service, you can encourage them to stay on top of maintenance and ensure optimal system performance.
Text Reminder: Suggest that homeowners text “FILTERS” to your designated number for timely reminders straight to their phones.
Email Reminder: Create a simple online sign-up form where homeowners can register for periodic emails reminding them to check and replace their filters.
By implementing these reminders, you not only enhance customer satisfaction but also promote energy efficiency and prolong the life of their HVAC systems.
#3: Clean the HRV/ERV Core
Going one step further, regular core cleaning is also essential for optimal performance. The core is the powerhouse of the ERV/HRV system; however, much like air filters, the core can get clogged up over time with outdoor contaminants.
Every three to four months, pull out the core and the washable filters (if applicable), vacuum them thoroughly, wash them, let them dry, then place them back into the appliance. Watch our HVAC pros demonstrate.
#4: Adjust the Control System
Is the fresh air appliance constantly running at high speed? A simple adjustment to the control system can dramatically enhance efficiency. The ECO-Touch® Auto IAQ Control, for instance, automatically selects the most efficient operating settings based on indoor and outdoor conditions. Its intuitive screen displays ventilation flow and performance metrics, allowing homeowners to easily monitor and adjust the system.
#5: Consider Upgrading Your System
If a fresh air appliance is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade. While routine maintenance can extend the life of the system, older models often sacrifice energy efficiency and performance. Fantech offers a range of advanced fresh air appliances, including the HERO Series, designed for easy installation and superior efficiency. If your clients are considering an upgrade, encourage them to explore our lineup of ERV/HRV solutions to find the best fit for their needs.
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Comprehensive Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Providing your clients with a comprehensive seasonal HVAC maintenance checklist is an excellent way to enhance their home comfort and system efficiency. This resource can serve as a handy reminder for homeowners to perform regular maintenance tasks tailored to each season. It’s also a great opportunity for you to reinforce your relationship with your clients and to show the value of your service. Be sure to leave your contact information on the checklist, making it easy for homeowners to reach out for future maintenance or service needs. Consider placing this checklist on the HVAC system itself, the refrigerator as a magnet, or even within their home maintenance binder for easy access.
Fall/Winter (Heating Season)
Tasks for HVAC Contractors (What you can expect from me):
Clean Furnace Burner Assembly: Remove soot and debris from the burner to ensure efficient combustion.
Inspect Heat Exchanger: Check for cracks or damage that could lead to safety hazards.
Check Gas Pressure: Verify the proper gas pressure for optimal furnace operation.
Inspect Flue Pipe: Ensure proper connection and clear any obstructions to maintain safe venting.
Check Blower Motor Performance: Test the operation and make adjustments as needed.
Inspect Electrical Connections: Tighten any loose connections to ensure reliable operation.
Tasks for Homeowners (You):
Air Filter Replacement: Regularly replace filters to optimize heating efficiency. Set a reminder for yourself every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type.
Clean Condensate Drain: Clear any clogs from the condensate drain line to prevent water damage.
Monitor System Performance: Keep an eye (or ear) out for unusual noises or changes in airflow and report any concerns to your contractor.
Spring/Summer (Cooling Season)
Tasks for HVAC Contractors (What you can expect from me):
Inspect and Clean Evaporator Coils: Check for dirt buildup on indoor coils, which can reduce efficiency.
Check Refrigerant Levels: Verify refrigerant levels and check for leaks to ensure the system operates correctly.
Inspect Ductwork: Check for leaks, damage, and ensure proper insulation for efficient airflow.
Tasks for Homeowners (You):
Air Filter Replacement: Change filters regularly to maintain optimal airflow and efficiency.
Clean Outdoor Unit: Remove debris from around the condenser coils to allow for proper airflow.
Thermostat Calibration: Ensure the thermostat accurately maintains the desired temperature.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Regularly lubricate motor bearings and other moving components to prevent wear and tear.
Important Considerations
(Note to Homeowner):
Regular maintenance schedule: Consult your HVAC professional for a recommended maintenance schedule based on your system and local climate.
Professional inspection: For complex tasks like refrigerant level checks, always consult a qualified HVAC technician.
Indoor air quality: Consider adding air filter upgrades for improved indoor air quality.
Implementing these top five seasonal maintenance tips will help you optimize HVAC system efficiency and improve indoor air quality, while extending the life of the equipment you install. Regular maintenance not only ensures top performance but also strengthens your role as a trusted HVAC expert for your clients. By engaging homeowners in proactive system care, you can boost satisfaction and minimize emergency calls. Seasonal transitions are the perfect time to schedule those vital check-ups and keep homes comfortable and efficient throughout the year.
Implementing these top five seasonal maintenance tips will help you optimize HVAC system efficiency and improve indoor air quality, while extending the life of the equipment you install. Regular maintenance not only ensures top performance but also strengthens your role as a trusted HVAC expert for your clients. By engaging homeowners in proactive system care, you can boost satisfaction and minimize emergency calls. Seasonal transitions are the perfect time to schedule those vital check-ups and keep homes comfortable and efficient throughout the year.
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