How To Make Sure That Your HVAC Is Working Properly

Many people enjoy the comfort that an HVAC system provides. Being able to set the temperature of each room to your own preference, walking into a pleasantly cooled home during a hot summer day are just some of the benefits of having one in your home. In order to keep this comfort, there are ways to make sure your HVAC is working properly that you should know about.

1. Check The Filters

Filters are used to remove particulate from the air, which helps with allergies and also prevents dust buildup on your HVAC unit. When managing your own maintenance schedule, make sure you check the filters monthly, more often if you have pets that shed, or allow smoking indoors. While a lot of them can simply be cleaned, when it comes time to change them, the good news is that you can find HVAC filters online which means you don’t have to call a technician or take the time to go to the store. All you need to do is check three things:

  • Filter dimensions – simply measure your existing filters’ height, width, and thickness in order to know the size of the replacement filters you need.
  • MERV rating – these indicate how effectively your filters trap particles based on the size of the particles. Most filters used in homes have a MERV rating between 8-13.
  • Air filter media – this refers to the materials used to filter out the particles. It can be fiberglass, polyester, cotton, or many other types of media, depending on what you want to be filtered out – dust, allergens, viral particles, etc.

Once you’ve got all that down, all you have to do is order your filters, and enjoy the fresh air they’ll provide.

2. Look For Leaks

It’s important to monitor your HVAC not just for comfort, but also for safety reasons. While any unit that’s under 10 years old is generally safe, it’s not uncommon for leaks to develop from time to time. When checking your unit, look for signs of rust and corrosion in the units and ducts. Some leaks are minor, but others are more serious issues. These leaks can be dangerous if they aren’t taken care of. Depending on the location, even a small leak can cause major problems for your home. If you do see any rust or corrosion, then you should call an HVAC repair technician to ensure that the problem is taken care of. Even if the leak you’re experiencing isn’t causing any problems to the HVAC itself, the water leaking out can damage your floors and walls, creating potential problems. However, it’s worth noting that if this is something that keeps happening, again and again, it might be time to get a new unit entirely.

3. HVAC Efficiency

If you feel like you have your HVAC on 24/7 but it just doesn’t feel like it’s doing much, you might be low on refrigerant. Refrigerant is what actually cools the air, so it’s important to get more of it if you need an added boost. You can have a technician come out and fill your system with refrigerant, which is safe for both homes and the environment. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that some HVAC systems are more efficient than others. There are also kinds of refrigerants that are more efficient than others. This is something you can either read more about online, or you can ask the technician what he thinks would be the best option for your system.

4. Schedule Regular Tune-Ups

Unlike your car, most people never give their HVAC a second thought until it stops working or is unable to keep up with the demands of summer heat or winter cold. When you schedule regular tune-ups for your heating and cooling system, technicians will make sure that all parts of your system are not only functioning properly but also operating at maximum efficiency. Of course, you’re the one that’s around the HVAC all the time, so it’s best to always take note if there’s anything a bit odd – whether it’s louder than usual, or some kind of smell, or if it’s just not pumping out as much cool air as it normally does – and relate all of that to a professional. During a tune-up, the technician will clean the evaporator and condenser coils, check belt tension on moving parts of the system, change any dirty filters you might have, and even inspect the wiring to make sure everything is up to code and safe. Ideally, this should be done once a year, or per the technician’s instructions.

5. Residential HVAC Repair

Your HVAC system keeps you comfortable all year long, but there’s a lot more to it than that. It also works to keep the air in your home clean and healthy and keeps energy bills low by generating optimal temperatures. Be sure to monitor it at least on a regular basis so you don’t run into problems. Contact an HVAC repair technician to have your system inspected on a yearly basis, or before significant problems are had.

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