You should never try to do your own heating repair. Unless there is a very simple, obvious solution, it is best to leave this type of work to the professionals. If you know about HVAC technician in your area who does good work, call and make an appointment with them. If you don’t, look online or ask for recommendations. There are many types of central heat and air units, so you want to make sure you get someone who understands the unit that you have.
You should get your central air conditioner with gas heat checked regularly for problems. That way, your system will last longer. Eventually you’ll need to buy new parts, but if you take care of the ones you have, you can put that off for a while. This will give you time to plan for your new heating and cooling unit. You’ll be able to find the exact one you want, as well as plan out how you’re going to pay for it. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are responsible for keeping many areas around the world good places for people to live. Keeping your HVAC system healthy and happy may seem like a lot of work. The good news is that it does not have to be. Moreover, you can avoid costly heating and air conditioning repairs by doing some routine maintenance on your own. Here are some things you can do to keep it running properly:
- Pay close attention to your air filters. HVAC services technicians will tell you that this is one of the easiest and more cost-effective ways to keep your system healthy. What you need to do is take some time to inspect your air filters on a regular basis. The frequency with which you will have to clean or replace them depends on how many people live in the home, what the climate is like, how often the home is used, and the number of pets living in the house. One good thing to do is check your air filters at least once a month. If your air filters are dirty, this can make your system run less efficiently and can cause the need for heating and air conditioning repairs, or worse, replacement. Dirty and clogged air filters can also be a fire hazard and that can be really disastrous for your home. There are also pleated filters that last longer. They are more efficient and need less frequent replacement. Replacing your air filters costs a lot less than replacing your HVAC system or home.
- Keep debris away from your HVAC systems. Many homes have larger air conditioning units located outside the home. You should check the unit from time to time and remove any debris from trees or bushes around it. You will cut down on the number of air conditioning repairs if you make sure there is nothing blocking air flow in and out of the unit. Pollen, dirt, and spider webs can also cause problems so you should take some time to clean the unit as well. The unit needs at least two feet of space between it and anything (furniture, the house, shrubs).
- Do not neglect your registers and ducts. You will need fewer heating and air conditioning repairs if you keep the registers and ducts clean and clear. Any debris in these areas can cause a lot of issues for you and your HVAC system.
- Listen to your HVAC system. Your HVAC system can tell you there are problems if you know how to listen. The best way is to listen to it when it is operating well. If you hear strange noises, you may be listening to blockages in the registers and ducts, loose nuts and bolts in your system, or dirt and dust in the vents. If you are not able to locate the source of the sounds, you may need to talk to an HVAC contractor in your area.
- Install ceiling fans. Using ceiling fans in your home can lower your heating and cooling costs. During the warmer months, you should turn on your fans to help circulate the cooler air from your air conditioner. Swap the direction of the fan to make it circulate air up or down depending on the season. This will give your entire HVAC system a break.
- When you need to, bring in the experts. No matter how well you keep up with your home maintenance, you may still need professional HVAC contractors to make heating and air conditioning repairs on your system. Take a look at the warranty that came with your unit to get more information about what you need to do. You also may be able to get a package with a local HVAC company to do routine checkups on your system. Remember, it is better to call in a professional sooner than later when you suspect you have an issue.
It has been estimated that three-quarters of all calls for broken heating systems are due to a lack of regular maintenance. These tips can really help you keep your HVAC system running well and your home comfortable all year long.
