A good cooling system is one of the first steps if you want to Have it Made® and live comfortably! But how? Learn more about your HVAC system air grill to become more familiar with the cooling systems in our Clayton Built® homes.
What is an HVAC?
A home's heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system has numerous important functions. It is responsible for providing adequate indoor air quality by conditioning the air by reducing or increasing the temperature, reducing humidity and eliminating contaminants in the air through the air filter.
What is a Return Air Grill?
The return air grill is a vent that allows air to cycle back into the cooling system for reconditioning and keeps your ventilation system working properly. It is important for circulating air properly through the system!
What is an AC Coil?
There are two different types of coils in an air conditioner (AC) unit: the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. The condenser coil is a part of your air conditioning or heat pump system where the heat is removed from the refrigerant.¹ While the evaporator coil, also known as a A-coil, is used in the air conditioning process where the cool liquid refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air causing the air to cool down and raising the liquid refrigerant temperature.²
Both coils will collect dirt over time, so it's important to know how to maintain them. Having a clean AC filter can help keep the evaporator coil from collecting dirt, which can reduce airflow and insulate the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat.³ Make sure to keep a clean air filter and to change your air filter properly.
AC Coil Maintenance
Keeping your AC coils clean is essential to keep it working correctly. Good airflow is important for both coils because dust and debris can interfere with their performance. Follow these tips to keep your AC coils maintained:
- Clean your fan and condenser coil each year at the beginning of spring to ensure that it operates to the best of its ability.
- Clear the fins of debris. The most common threat is a buildup of yard debris on the fins such as grass clippings, fallen leaves, twigs and pet hair that make it harder for the condenser to release heat. This reduces the energy efficiency of the AC unit and strains the condenser.⁴
- When the cooling season ends - protect the outdoor condenser from the elements by covering the top with a piece of wood held down at all four corners by bricks. This keeps snow from piling up inside. Do not wrap your unit in plastic, this can trap moisture inside it, cause rust and provide shelter for unwanted pests.⁴
HVAC System Tips
Regular maintenance on your HVAC system is critical to ensure its long life and efficient operation. Check out these preventative tips to help maintain your home's cooling system, maximize efficiency and save money:
- Change air filters as often as the manufacturer recommends, we recommend every 30 days. However, check the instructions on the package of the air filter as how often you should change your air filter can vary.
- Install and use an exhaust fan to prevent moisture from building up.
HVAC tips for warm months:
- If you'll be out of the house for 4 or more hours, set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during warm months.
- Raise the settings so the AC only comes on if the temperature reaches 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Open doors between rooms so the cool air can flow more freely.
- Close the blinds and curtains to keep the heat from the sun out.
HVAC tips for cooler months:
- Turn your thermostat lower by 10%-15% for 8 hours per day.
- Consider covering hard floors with rugs or carpet to contain the heat.
- Install a programmable thermostat if you want to run a scheduled heating and cooling program
Maintaining your HVAC system is just one of many ways to keep your home in good working order. For more ways to stay on top of home maintenance, check out our Home Care Guide tips.