HVAC MAINTENANCE AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT
If you want your HVAC system to last, you need to care for it properly. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize that their system requires routine maintenance. Find out what maintenance you need to do for your Sterling HVAC system and learn how a technician can help you.
What Maintenance Should You Do?
There are a few things you can do to keep your HVAC system in working order. For one, you should clean or change out your filter.
Over time, your filter accumulates dust, dirt, and allergens. The air must pass through your filter, but too much debris restricts the flow of air. When your filter is dirty, your system works harder than it should. Eventually, you may be in need of HVAC service in Sterling, VA.
You can prevent overworking your system by regularly cleaning or changing your filter. First, you need to know what type of filter you have. Some filters can be removed and cleaned, while others are disposable.
Every three months, remove your filter and clean it or replace it. Be sure to replace it with a filter of the same size, or it won’t be effective. You should also be certain that the filter is facing the right way.
To be sure that you don’t forget to change your filter, mark your calendar every three months. Another good habit to get into is to replace or clean your filter at the start of a new season.
CHECK YOUR CONDENSER
Your condenser unit is outside in the elements. After high winds or a rainstorm, debris could fall on or near your condenser. The materials may restrict air flow and cause your HVAC system to malfunction.
If you want to prevent the need for a costly repair, regularly check your condenser unit. Make it a habit to go outside and look for debris near the unit. Keep bushes, trees, and shrubs at a distance and remove leaves and broken branches from the area.
While you’re out there, look for cracks in the condenser. You may be able to find a problem before it’s too late to repair it.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SYSTEM
Don’t take your heating and cooling system for granted. You should get to know the noises of your Sterling HVAC system and learn its habits.
If you notice any changes in the system, there might be an issue. Listen for rattling, banging, and other unusual sounds. Is your system taking longer to heat or cool? If so, you should call a professional for help.
SCHEDULE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
Because you’re not a trained professional, there’s only so much that you can do to maintain your system. At least once a year, call a technician and have them perform routine maintenance.
Some HVAC companies even offer maintenance plans. If you’re on a plan, you don’t need to worry about forgetting to schedule your appointment.
What Maintenance Does a Professional Do?
Your HVAC technician will do more during a maintenance call than you might imagine. In fact, they will do all of the following:
1. REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTER
If you haven’t been diligent about replacing your air filter, you can trust your HVAC technician to do so. They’ll check your filter and make sure that it’s clean. Furthermore, they can explain more about your type of filter and tell you how to replace it.
2. CHECK THE THERMOSTAT
Your thermostat may not be adequately calibrated. If this is the case, your system isn’t working efficiently and your energy bills will be higher than they need to be. Your technician will check your thermostat and recalibrate it, if necessary. They’ll run it for a few minutes to be sure that it works.
3. INSPECT CONNECTIONS
As time passes, some of the connections in your HVAC system will loosen. During the inspection, the technician will check the connections and tighten them when necessary. This step also involves checking the voltage and current of your motors, in addition to lubricating all moving parts.
Although a loose connection might not prevent your system from working in the present, it could have future implications. The connections will continue to loosen and will eventually lead to total system failure.
4. CHECK THE CONDENSATE DRAIN
Your furnace or boiler has a condensate drain. When that drain becomes plugged, your system could malfunction, or the humidity level in your home may be too high. As part of the inspection, the technician will check the drain and remove any blockages.
5. LOOK FOR WEAR AND TEAR
Even with proper maintenance, your HVAC system won’t last forever. Frequent use and the elements take a toll on your system. An experienced technician will check your system for wear and tear, such as full drain pans and low refrigerant levels.
They might also check your furnace’s compressor and motor. If there’s anything to be concerned about, the technician will let you know.
6. DETERMINE IF THERE’S A NEED FOR REPAIRS
Several other aspects of your HVAC system need attention. Working with a reputable HVAC company ensures that you will get a thorough inspection of your system. If the technician comes across any issues, they will explain them to you. Furthermore, they can tell you about the repairs and estimate the total cost of those repairs.
Why Does Maintenance of Your Sterling HVAC Matter?
Every system in your home needs regular maintenance. However, the HVAC system is particularly sensitive. If you don’t provide your HVAC system with the maintenance it needs, your system is likely to break down. You might not notice a small problem, which will eventually become a major issue.
But repairs aren’t the only issue. Without maintenance, your system won’t be as efficient as it should be. As a result, you’ll have a high energy bill every month. Additionally, your system might not be able to maintain a comfortable temperature. You deserve a comfortable home.
If you want to save money and live in comfort, you need to perform routine Sterling HVAC maintenance. Call us at Cardinal Plumbing and find out what we can do for your system.
Original article: HVAC MAINTENANCE AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT
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