How To Make Sure That Your HVAC Is Working Properly

Many people appreciate the convenience of an HVAC system. Being able to set the temperature in each room to your preference, stepping into a pleasantly cool home on a hot summer day are just some of the benefits of having one in your home. In order to maintain this comfort, there are ways to make sure your HVAC is working properly that you should be aware of.

1. Check the filters

Filters are used to remove particles from the air which helps fight allergies and also prevents dust buildup on your HVAC unit. When running your own maintenance schedule, be sure to check the filters once a month, more often if you have pets that are shedding hair or if you allow smoking indoors. While many of them can just 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 need to call a technician or to take the time to go to the store. All you have to do is check three things:

• Filter dimensions – simply measure the height, width and thickness of your existing filters so you know the size of replacement filters you need.
• MERV Rating – these indicate the efficiency with which your filters trap particles according to the size of the particles. Most filters used in homes have a MERV rating between 8 and 13.
• Air filter media – these are the materials used to filter particles. It can be fiberglass, polyester, cotton, or many other types of media, depending on what you want to filter – dust, allergens, viral particles, etc.

Once all this is in place, all you have to do is order your filters and enjoy the fresh air they will bring you.

2. Check for leaks

It is important to monitor your HVAC not only for your convenience, but also for safety reasons. While any unit less than 10 years old is generally safe, it is 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 left untreated. Depending on the location, even a small leak can cause major problems in your home. If you see rust or corrosion, you should call an HVAC repair technician to make sure the problem is resolved. Even if the leak you are experiencing is not causing any problems with the HVAC itself, the escaping water can damage your floors and walls, creating potential problems. However, it should be noted that if this happens over and over again, it might be time to get a new unit entirely.

3. HVAC efficiency

If you feel like your HVAC system is running 24/7, but you don’t feel like it’s doing much, you may be running low on refrigerant. The refrigerant is what actually cools the air, so getting more of it is important if you need that extra boost. You can have a technician come and fill your system with refrigerant, which is safe for homes and the environment. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that some HVAC systems are more efficient than others. There are also types of refrigerants that are more efficient than others. This is something you can either learn more about online or ask the technician what they think is the best option for your system.

4. Schedule regular tune-ups

Unlike your car, most people never think about their HVAC system until it stops working or is unable to cope with the demands of summer heat or winter cold. When you schedule regular tune-ups for your heating and air conditioning system, technicians will ensure that all parts of your system are not only functioning properly, but also at peak efficiency. Of course, you’re the one around the CVC all the time, so it’s best to always note if there’s something a little odd – whether it’s louder than usual, or some sort of smell, or if it’s just not pumping out like a lot of fresh air like it normally does – and bring it all to a professional. During a tune-up, the technician will clean the evaporator and condenser coils, check the belt tension on the moving parts of the system, change any dirty filters you may have, and even inspect the wiring for damage. make sure everything is up to code and safe. Ideally, this should be done once a year, or as directed by the technician.

5. Residential HVAC repair

Your HVAC system keeps you comfortable all year round, but there’s more to it. It also helps keep the air in your home clean and healthy and lowers energy bills by generating optimal temperatures. Make sure to monitor it at least regularly so that you don’t run into any problems. Contact an HVAC repair technician to have your system inspected once a year or before significant problems occur.