Your HVAC system is vital to keeping your home comfortable and safe, and you don't want it to suddenly stop functioning on the hottest day of the year in Boca Raton, FL. To prevent this, make sure you're keeping up on your HVAC maintenance throughout the year. Here are three steps you should take to make sure your system stays its best.

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1. Check Your Unit

You should regularly check around your outdoor HVAC unit to make sure there is nothing within two feet of it. Look at the copper pipes that connect it to your house, and make sure there aren't any leaks. You should also make sure the ground the unit is sitting on isn't washed out or otherwise uneven.

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2. Replace Your Air Filters

It's important to keep up with changing your air filters. These trap dust and allergens so that they aren't blown through your home and HVAC system. This not only keeps your home cleaner, but it may also help you avoid needing a duct cleaning as often and protects your heater from damage. You may want to consider a high-efficiency filter to improve your air even more.

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3. Long-Term Maintenance

While you don't need to do these tasks as regularly as you do the others, they are still an important component of HVAC maintenance. Once a year, check and lubricate your HVAC motor and fan, and clean your drain lines. Once every three to five years, schedule a duct cleaning. You should have this done more often if you notice anything unusual, such as especially dirty filters, noticeable mold growth, odd noises in your ducts, inconsistent airflow, or inexplicably high energy bills. Some of these tasks may require an AC and plumbing contractor.

Save yourself money and stress down the road by practicing good HVAC maintenance habits now. Keep an eye on your units, replace your air filters and don't delay if you think you need a duct cleaning.