Keep Your Heating and Air Conditioning Running When You Need it Most
In the summer we complain about the heat and in the winter we complain about the cold. Maybe it’s true that humans are never really satisfied. But there are times when a complaint about the temperature is more than just a way to start a conversation. Like when the air conditioning breaks down in the middle of July. And the situation can even become life threatening if the furnace stops working in the middle of a Michigan winter.
Regardless of the circumstances, heating and cooling services will always find ample opportunities in keeping people comfortable in their homes. However, there are many things that homeowners can do to mitigate the expenses that can mount up in keeping their indoor climate consistent.
One of the ways to keep costs down is with regular maintenance. Periodic checks and even tune-ups of your home HVAC unit can help you avoid an unexpected breakdown. When a system stops working, it’s usually never at a convenient time, so keeping it inspected can help avoid unwanted trouble.
For example, it is a good idea to have your AC unit inspected before the summer, in order to make sure there is plenty of coolant. A unit low on coolant is not going to keep the house as cold as needed during peak temperatures. It will also put extra strain on the system which has to pump much more frequently, due to the low supply of coolant. Low coolant levels can also indicate a leak which will be easier to repair before the weather warms up.
There other things that often go overlooked, as well, including the condensation drainage. A clogged drain will decrease the unit’s ability to remove humidity and in a very humid climate the condensation could leak, causing damage to walls and flooring.
Although filters are easy to change, these also get overlooked. A clogged filter will put an excessive amount of strain on an HVAC unit and can cause it to be damaged. Dirt can accumulate in the coils, causing inefficiency in the ability to cool air and it can also cause corrosion of the coils.
If the aluminum fins on the condenser or evaporator become bent, they can be straightened out on a routine service call by a technician with a fin comb.
The outdoor condenser unit also needs to be checked and cleaned of any debris which may have accumulated during the fall and winter. Fallen leaves, twigs and dirt need to be removed from the condenser to prevent damage to the unit and also to allow for proper airflow.
In the fall, you also want to get an inspection of your furnace to make sure it is in good order for the winter months. A certified technician should check out all the common points. The heat exchanger should be checked for cracks which can allow toxic fumes to escape, presenting a serious health hazard.
Pilot lights should always be checked and adjusted on a gas furnace. If the pilot is damaged or dirty, it can go out, preventing the furnace from being started. Additionally, the gas lines should be carefully inspected for leaks, as leaking gas lines are extremely dangerous.
The flue should also be inspected for corrosion or leaks. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces also need to be inspected and cleaned to avoid build-up which can lead to chimney fires.
Electrical should be inspected, including switches and particularly thermostats. These may need to be adjusted to ensure proper efficiency of the HVAC unit.
Paying attention to all of the details will keep you happy when you need your Heating and AC to work the hardest and can avoid a costly and uncomfortable breakdown.
Regardless of the circumstances, heating and cooling services will always find ample opportunities in keeping people comfortable in their homes. However, there are many things that homeowners can do to mitigate the expenses that can mount up in keeping their indoor climate consistent.
One of the ways to keep costs down is with regular maintenance. Periodic checks and even tune-ups of your home HVAC unit can help you avoid an unexpected breakdown. When a system stops working, it’s usually never at a convenient time, so keeping it inspected can help avoid unwanted trouble.
For example, it is a good idea to have your AC unit inspected before the summer, in order to make sure there is plenty of coolant. A unit low on coolant is not going to keep the house as cold as needed during peak temperatures. It will also put extra strain on the system which has to pump much more frequently, due to the low supply of coolant. Low coolant levels can also indicate a leak which will be easier to repair before the weather warms up.
There other things that often go overlooked, as well, including the condensation drainage. A clogged drain will decrease the unit’s ability to remove humidity and in a very humid climate the condensation could leak, causing damage to walls and flooring.
Although filters are easy to change, these also get overlooked. A clogged filter will put an excessive amount of strain on an HVAC unit and can cause it to be damaged. Dirt can accumulate in the coils, causing inefficiency in the ability to cool air and it can also cause corrosion of the coils.
If the aluminum fins on the condenser or evaporator become bent, they can be straightened out on a routine service call by a technician with a fin comb.
The outdoor condenser unit also needs to be checked and cleaned of any debris which may have accumulated during the fall and winter. Fallen leaves, twigs and dirt need to be removed from the condenser to prevent damage to the unit and also to allow for proper airflow.
In the fall, you also want to get an inspection of your furnace to make sure it is in good order for the winter months. A certified technician should check out all the common points. The heat exchanger should be checked for cracks which can allow toxic fumes to escape, presenting a serious health hazard.
Pilot lights should always be checked and adjusted on a gas furnace. If the pilot is damaged or dirty, it can go out, preventing the furnace from being started. Additionally, the gas lines should be carefully inspected for leaks, as leaking gas lines are extremely dangerous.
The flue should also be inspected for corrosion or leaks. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces also need to be inspected and cleaned to avoid build-up which can lead to chimney fires.
Electrical should be inspected, including switches and particularly thermostats. These may need to be adjusted to ensure proper efficiency of the HVAC unit.
Paying attention to all of the details will keep you happy when you need your Heating and AC to work the hardest and can avoid a costly and uncomfortable breakdown.