While the HVAC system boasts one of the primary components in the household environment, it’s also likely the most neglected. Many heating and air conditioning repair technicians will concede that most residential systems underperform according to the efficiency standards.
An HVAC is responsible for the comfort, health, and safety (from germs, bacteria, and allergens through the air) of your family. It also ensures that you are protected from the extreme temperatures of the outdoors. Most homeowners do not pay a lot of attention to their unit unless it develops an issue, or their energy costs rise.
At that point, there could be a significant problem causing the system to ultimately shut down, resulting in either high costs for repairs or the need for a replacement system.
Unfortunately, that expense oftentimes can be avoided if the homeowner were to participate in regular care, upkeep of the system, and employ regular tune-up services at least once each year to extend the unit’s longevity.
Heating and air conditioning do not just suddenly stop working. It happens gradually with less efficiency throughout the course of its failure. With yearly maintenance from a reputable professional (search https://kellyheatingandairconditioning.com/ for an example), these minor defects are caught before they turn into irreparable malfunctions. Plus, the system is tuned up to keep it in optimum functionality during the height of the season.
The experts will also guide the homeowner on how best to maintain their HVAC in between service calls. As a result, there is greater efficiency and an extended lifespan.
Homeowner DIY Tips for Maintaining an HVAC System
As a homeowner, the care and upkeep of the household fall to your responsibility and includes the varied systems meant to keep you comfortable, healthy, and safe, including the HVAC.
One component of that maintenance is employing reputable heating and air conditioning repair services in Runway Bay to complete a tune-up at least once, perhaps twice each year before the height of the extreme seasons, to ensure optimum functionality before temperatures become excessive or frigid.
A homeowner will not want to call for service every time there is an issue and will need to educate themselves on their unit to troubleshoot problems that arise to handle these.
Some basic tasks can be accomplished relatively easily as DIY if you feel comfortable in that context. Go here for some added AC tips. Let us check some of these out.
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The first place to start – thermostat
The first place a repair technician will typically suggest for a homeowner to check is with the thermostat when there is an HVAC problem. It serves as the “control center” for much of the functionality of the system. It is also the simplest part to inspect and care for.
The batteries can last as long as two years, but usually, the suggestion is to change them on habit each year to keep them from not working when temperatures are at their worst. Mark the date you change them to remember the next time they are due to be switched.
Make sure to clean the thermostat using a soft utensil (q-tip) or canned air to rid the debris and dust. If it is a touchscreen, use products specifically for that purpose.
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Testing
Many people wait until the season they need the unit to test for that particular medium, whether it be cooling or heating. It is wise to make a point of checking for each in-between service calls to make sure the HVAC is working efficiently while testing the thermostat at the same time.
If there is any delay in the furnace or the air conditioning coming on, that could mean there is a significant problem for which there should be a service call placed for an inspection.
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Filters
Replacing air filters is a common household maintenance task that many homeowners might not be aware they need to handle. It is a straightforward and relatively fast process that significantly improves energy efficiency and helps avoid standard heating and cooling problems.
The suggestion is to change air filters roughly every 90 days, depending on which type you have. If you use the system more excessively or perhaps you have a household with pets, you will need to consider changing it much more frequently, every 30 days but check it regularly to see the condition.
The more frequently you check and change your filter, particularly if you suffer from allergies, the less often you will deal with symptoms.
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Vents and air ducts
The vents and air ducts can affect the airflow throughout the household. Each room will have a vent that will accumulate dirt and debris. These should be washed down with soap and water regularly to avoid the system becoming inefficient.
While you have the vents off, it’s a good time to check the air ducts with a flashlight to see if there is an accumulation of debris. Professionals will come and do thorough air duct cleaning a few times a year to ensure optimum airflow and quality within the household.
Final Thought
These are merely a few steps you can take as a homeowner. There are many more tips and tricks you can use to avoid potentially expensive service calls. Whoever you choose as your preventative maintenance provider for your HVAC system should have a wealth of educational information on their company website, including guidance on what you can do as a homeowner to care for and upkeep your heating and cooling.
While it might seem invasive to have to incorporate time and effort into an HVAC as a homeowner, the alternative of not having these in most areas of the country is genuinely not an option given the extreme temperatures in the summer and winter.
Being proactive with your part of the responsibility is essential for the comfort, safety, and well-being of you and your family. But also, incorporating the services of a professional heating and cooling representative will allow you that much less effort and ensure that the system sustains an extended lifespan.
