Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems are composed of hundreds of mechanical and electronic components, each with a small, yet crucial role in maintaining regular operation. Troubleshooting faulty equipment and irregular operation requires a trained professional’s understanding of how each piece of these machines interact and effect the system as a whole.
Unexpected failures and faults can significantly increase the cost of an HVAC system over its operational lifetime. Although it can be expected that occasional, random component failures will occur over the equipment’s lifespan, proper maintenance and regularly-scheduled service are the homeowner’s two most effective tools for maximizing a system’s operational life. You can read our list of tips and tricks for maximizing your HVAC system’s life below!
NOTE: When in doubt, contact your HVAC System Professional! They can answer your questions and concerns, as well as properly maintain your HVAC system.
- Replace your Air Filter regularly. Your HVAC system pulls air through your air filter, and the more dirt, dust, and debris buildup on your filter, the harder your unit must work to provide conditioned air flow. Check your air filter at least monthly, and replace when visibly soiled.
- Use care when adjusting your thermostat. Cycling your temperature settings up and down can place strain on your HVAC system. Try to either “set it and forget it,” or ask your HVAC System Professional to program your thermostat to adjust the temperature based on home occupancy and activity. Many thermostats can be programmed to follow weekly schedules, providing comfort when the residence is in use, and conserving energy when the residence is empty.
- Maintain reasonable expectations of your system’s performance. On a hot, sunny day, your system may not be able to cool your home to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, on a freezing, winter day, your system may not be able to maintain a temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. There are several factors that dictate the performance of your HVAC system, such as outdoor temperature, home and HVAC system size, wall insulation, system efficiency and age, etc. Your HVAC System Professional may be able to discuss options for increasing your system’s overall performance.
- Have your system serviced regularly. The best type of maintenance is preventative maintenance, because potential system issues can be caught before they cause a serious or catastrophic failure. Your HVAC System Professional can also diagnose the overall health of your system, and may recommend future courses of action for further maintenance or eventual replacement. An effective and popular maintenance program is scheduling a seasonal cleaning during fall or the spring. This way, your system can simultaneously be cleaned from the previous season’s use, and prepared for the oncoming season’s use.
- Use your common sense. If you see, smell, or hear something atypical to your HVAC system’s normal operation, do not hesitate in contacting your HVAC System Professional. Many serious problems develop after smaller issues compound over time into larger, more complicated failures.
- Establish a relationship with a trusted HVAC System Professional. Your home’s HVAC system is unique in configuration and operation from every other home. Using the same HVAC company every time ensures that your HVAC System Professional is familiar with your specific system, and that every decision regarding your system is made with your needs in mind.
John S Demree Heating & Air Conditioning 