California Homeowners Guide to HVAC Maintenance

Burbank, CA, has hot, dry summers and moderate winters. Although it’s less prone to experiencing wildfires than other California cities, it regularly receives an influx of wildfire smoke and other pollutants. These are all important factors to remember when choosing, installing, and caring for your HVAC equipment. The following is everything you need to know about local HVAC maintenance.

Air Quality and HVAC Air Filters

According to a 2023 report from the City of Burbank, both indoors and out, local air quality has been a significant point of concern since the 1940s. People who live in densely populated areas and near busy, bustling freeways tend to have higher concentrations of gaseous chemicals, dust, and other allergens and contaminants in their homes. Burbank lies in a geographically challenging region. It has many heavily traveled roadways, multiple rail corridors, and massive highways along or within its boundaries. Rather than dispersing, the Verdugo Mountains trap much of the air pollution from these features.

Homeowners nationwide are advised to inspect their HVAC air filters monthly and change them every 30 to 90 days. In high-pollution areas like Burbank, it’s best to examine these components every three to four weeks and replace them as needed. This is also true for residents of the surrounding cities.

Routine Maintenance and Filter Upgrades

Low-cost, standard HVAC air filters primarily exist to protect heating and cooling equipment. These components sift out larger airborne debris so that it doesn’t settle in the interior of heat pumps, air conditioners, and furnaces. Given their larger mesh, thin constructs, and modest surface areas, standard air filters cannot capture and retain the gaseous chemical contaminants found in most Burbank homes.

When replacing your HVAC air filter, consider upgrading to one with a higher maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. Higher-rated air filters can pick up more small-sized particulates, and some can even deactivate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants. Higher-rated filters have tighter, denser mesh and larger surface areas. Depending upon an upgraded filter’s MERV rating, it may only need replacing every three to six months. However, the best way to make this improvement without compromising the health and functioning of your HVAC system is by speaking with the helpful, seasoned HVAC technician from Air Max HVAC.

Stock up on HVAC Air Filters for Filter Maintenance

With many people performing frequent filter changes in Burbank, it’s best to keep several on hand. If local store shelves run empty, you’ll have enough filters to see you through the current heating or cooling season.

Schedule Regular Air Quality Testing

To further protect your IAQ, the health of building residents, and the health of your HVAC system, consider scheduling indoor air quality testing each year. These tests identify indoor contaminants, measure their concentrations, and accurately measure indoor humidity. They’ll let you know whether you need additional IAQ support through an integrated HVAC accessory or whether your home has fixable IAQ concerns.

Clearing Condenser Perimeters To Optimize Airflow

All central air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems have outdoor condenser units. These are typically installed in back or side yards on concrete pads. Keep its outdoor condenser unit clear to ensure optimum airflow throughout your HVAC system. All condensers need at least two feet of clearance on every side.

Inspect this unit when changing your air filter and pick up any leaves and other loose debris. As needed, trim all nearby bushes, trees, grass, and other greenery before it encroaches upon your condenser and impedes airflow.

HVAC Air Registers, Vents, and Grilles

During routine filter changes, you should inspect your home’s HVAC air registers, vents, and grilles. All of these features should be in an open position. Some residents might close air vents completely to redirect air away from their immediate areas. Unfortunately, vent closures cause a build-up of static pressure in HVAC ducting, given that unwanted air has nowhere to go. Due to the resulting airflow challenges, multiple extended vent closures can result in short cycling, overheating, icing, and other performance issues.

After opening closed vents, wipe off any build-ups of gray, lint-like debris. If these same build-ups are behind your HVAC air vent covers, you can also remove these covers and gently vacuum them.

HVAC Air Balancing

Our technicians optimize airflow by strategically adjusting vent positions throughout homes during air balancing. Schedule air balancing as part of your annual HVAC maintenance if you’ve had multiple vent closures or hot and cold spots throughout the building.

Professional Tune-up Services for Heating and Cooling Equipment

All heating and cooling equipment comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. These warranties typically include limited parts coverage lasting between five and ten years and extended warranties on major components like heat exchangers and compressors. Homeowners must schedule professional tune-up services at least once a year to remain compliant with these mutually binding agreements. Changing air filters and keeping the perimeters of condensers clear is not enough to ensure optimum efficiency and performance or protect the lifespans of heaters, heat pumps, mini-splits, and ACs.

During professional tune-up services, we:

• Test and calibrate thermostats
• Check for HVAC air duct leaks
• Clean indoor handlers and outdoor condensers
• Optimize fan speeds
• Replace worn or damaged components

We also check all electrical connections, test all safety features, and lubricate moving parts.

Annual HVAC Maintenance and Heat Pumps

Burbank is the ideal location for year-round heat pump use. Even entry-level heat pumps can provide reliable heating in winter and highly efficient cooling in summer. If you use a heat pump rather than an air conditioner and furnace, you must biannually schedule professional heat pump maintenance. This is best done just before summer arrives and again in late fall.

HVAC Air Duct Cleaning

According to the EPA, homeowners should schedule air duct cleaning as needed. As per the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the best schedule for these services is every two to three years. No matter which recommendation you follow, you should have your air ducts cleaned:

• Following the influx of wildfire smoke
• After house fires and floods
• When IAQ noticeably declines
• After treating pest infestations

When insects and small animals enter and live in ducting, they leave lots of detritus behind. Build-ups of exoskeletons, wings, feces, fur, and food in your air ducts can have a marked impact on your IAQ and HVAC performance.

General Property Maintenance and Your HVAC System’s Health

Keeping your roof well-maintained and regularly trimming trees is critical to protecting your HVAC equipment. Falling tree branches and loose shingles can cause serious damage to the AC and heat pump condenser. Schedule professional roof maintenance at least once yearly and have your trees pruned in spring and fall.

We help homeowners in Burbank, CA, save money and optimize their comfort with expert heating and cooling services. We also offer cutting-edge IAQ improvements, smart thermostats, and service agreements. To schedule an AC, furnace, or heat pump tune-up, contact Air Max HVAC today.