Caring for your HVAC system
Many of us live in homes with central heating and air conditioning. This is a very effective and convenient way to heat and cool a home. You can control your home’s temperature by simply pressing a few buttons and the rest is done for you. Seconds later, you’re enveloped in either warmth or cool, refreshing air. Fortunately, both homeowners and business owners can do things on their own to maintain the health of their HVAC systems.
What simple steps can be taken to maintain your HVAC system?
Of course, many of us aren’t HVAC technicians. However, there are plenty of things that can be done to maintain the health and wellness of your HVAC system. In fact, your service technician can inform you of simple things you can do to keep your system in tip-top shape. One of the easiest ways to manage the health of your system is to change your AC filter monthly or as recommended. You can also inspect your outdoor unit to ensure that leaves and other debris aren’t stuck in the blades.
You should also look at the coils to ensure that they’re in food condition and free of debris. Also, you should pay attention to any unusual noises or unusual changes in the performance of your HVAC system. However, instead of trying to fix any of these issues yourself, you should contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible. Often, this can be the difference between a simple fix and an extremely expensive one. Timing makes a difference. There may be internal issues that you can’t readily see. You may have a damaged air duct that prevents air from flowing properly. In this case, you’d need an HVAC technician to provide air duct repair services.
Your air ducts may be bent or in poor condition based on wear and tear, and age. Any number of things may affect the condition of your air ducts, thus hindering the performance of your HVAC system. An HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and make the changes needed to repair your damaged air ducts.
When should you call an HVAC technician?
The only maintenance you should do on your HVAC system is the recommended steps provided by an HVAC system. Changing your air filter and keeping your external unit clean are two common ways to keep your HVAC system in good condition. However, strange noises and smells, less than optimal performance, as well as a host of other symptoms and problems, should be handled by a licensed and certified HVAC technician. It’s a good idea to contact your service technician if you begin to experience unusual smells and performance from your HVAC system. It is best not to play Fixer. An HVAC technician is your best bet. Plus, any DIY projects may void any warranty you have on your HVAC system.
Small Fixes
Reaching out to a certified technician in a timely manner may be the difference between a small fix and a big fix. Often, the longer you wait, the bigger the problem becomes. If you can catch a problem early you can often save yourself a lot of money. Many fixes require replacing worn parts or just a small part of your system, vs the whole system. Often, if you have an issue with an air duct, you may need to replace a single or small part of the air duct system as opposed to replacing your entire duct system. Knowing when to call a technician not only saves you money, it also allows you to catch a problem before it becomes big. Timeliness makes ti possible to repair or fix problems in a cost-effective manner.
Lynn Place is Vice President of Marketing for SolvChem Custom Packaging Division. She has 30 years of professional experience in the manufacturing industry and specializes in consumer packaged goods, new product development and strategic planning.
