How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly
If you are a homeowner, you must be on top of regular HVAC maintenance. You could see your HVAC system begin exhibiting problems if you don't do it.
If you don't tackle the issue promptly the issue could result in cost-intensive repairs, as well as the air quality being poor in the home.
Stan's Gold Service Club offers HVAC maintenance options that could help you save money on expensive repair costs. This includes two precisely-timed annual tune-ups of the system and prioritization of all repair services.
1. Leaks
Leaks can be one of the most common HVAC problems. The reason for this is that the majority of heating and cooling systems are fluid based and use liquid refrigerant to chill the system. The leaks in the system can cause the cooling system more difficult in order to reach the temperature you want. This can damage equipment and lead to overworking.
The first step to take if you see water leaking from your unit is to switch the appliance off. This will stop any more leaks from occurring and could be a way to avoid the possibility of a costly electrical cost. This can be done by turning off the furnace or shutting off the thermostat. If you're not sure what the location of the switch might be or where it's located, turn it off via the circuit breaker.
Next, you will want remove the water and look at the cause. One of the most frequent causes for an unreliable furnace is a broken or blocked drain line. The system's cooling process generates condensation. This usually flows through an drain pipe and then into an underside of the evaporator coil. The drain pipe can get blocked with dust, dirt or even algae, over the course of time. If the drain line is ruptured or is leaking it can cause the system to flow overflow, which will create the possibility of flooding in your house.
Another possible cause of the furnace leaking is an aging heat exchanger. This is a possibility if the system is not properly maintained, or if the air filter is not replaced regularly. This can be triggered through corrosion that occurs on electric terminals, which occurs over time if the wires are constantly exposed to water.
Make contact with an HVAC expert as soon as possible if you notice that your furnace has started to leak. They will be able to determine the cause and present an option for repairs or replacement.
An engineer who is inspecting HVAC systems is usually going to start by looking for leaks within the places that most often get leaks. This includes Schrader ports and flare connections as and the condensate drain hose. If you suspect that the leak was caused by a defective compressor it is possible that they will recommend you change the whole system.
2. Filters
The HVAC unit functions as a heater and air conditioner that creates fresh air in the house. To ensure that the HVAC system is in top operating condition, it's crucial to clean your filter on a regular basis.
Filters trap airborne pollutants to prevent them from getting into the parts of your heating and cooling system. There are plenty of contaminants floating in the air that could do damage to your equipment if it makes it into the working parts which include pet dander pollen, moldspores, bacteria and microorganisms.
The filter stops these particles from spreading throughout the house, offering relief for allergy and asthma patients as well as stopping the spread of virus and bacteria. Most of them have fibers, often pleated, that are able to trap these harmful elements. There are various kinds of filtering available to your residence, and each has the rating MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) score indicating the effectiveness of it's.
Fiberglass air filters are typically less expensive https://www.acrepairinsandiego.com/heating-repair-alpine.html and will do great for a majority of homeowners. They are less demanding on systems, and they can keep the large amount of dust out of the system and reduce ductwork obstruction. There is a possibility that you prefer an air filter with the highest rating if or your loved ones suffer from respiratory conditions. These are more efficient at catching smaller contaminant particles, and they also have an added advantage of helping to reduce odors, which can be caused by smoking, cooking fumes and gas or pet.
Specialty filters are available for special demands. Like, UV filters kill microorganisms and microorganisms in the air that circulate. The TE Certified technician will be competent to guide you on the most suitable filter for the home you live in.
Filters that have become blocked or filthy can cause more harm than good to your system. Filters that are clogged, or dirty reduce airflow, make your system work harder and waste energy. They could also cause damage to the motor that blows air or blockage sensitive equipment, such as ignition coils, as well as the drain line for condensate.
It's easy to clean your filter which will prevent expensive repairs. Keep a note on your calendar and remember that it's time to get an upgrade. Also, you can help with this through incorporating it in the inspection of your house.
3. Thermostat
It's your thermostat which transmits signal to the HVAC system, allowing it to operate and start when needed. If the thermostat you have is operating oddly or doesn't react when temperatures change as it should when it is set, the chances are you'll need the replacement of your thermostat.
A small click is usually felt and the air that is in the vents begins to flow almost immediately after changes in temperature. If you adjust the thermostat but don't feel or hear any difference in the indoor air temperature within about a minute or so the time frame is ideal to get in touch with an HVAC technician to fix the problem right away.
There could be a variety of thermostat problems that can cause this problem, for example, the dead battery or malfunctioning circuit breaker. If you've inspected the battery and changed it, but the issue persists, your high-voltage wiring connected to the thermostat could be probably the culprit. This is a major issue which requires expert assistance. However, if you're not having problems with the thermostat itself, then call an HVAC specialist to obtain the diagnosis.
The thermostat might not be able to reach the temperature set if the sensors are filthy. As time passes, these sensors could get clogged by dust, dirt, or lint. It is crucial to clean the sensor. The quickest and easiest method to clean them is to take off the cover of your thermostat and then gently massage the sensor with a dry paintbrush.
A different issue that could affect your thermostat is short-cycling, which occurs when the heating or cooling system is shut off prior to completing a full cycle of operation. It could cause your home to be unevenly heated and cool. This will also lead to higher than typical costs for energy.
Heating and cooling issues can be expensive to fix, but it is possible to avoid many issues by performing regular maintenance that is performed by an experienced HVAC technician. Stan's Gold Service Club includes two precise tuneups to your system every year. It allows the homeowner to spot minor issues before they turn into costly repair. Members also get 15 percent off every HVAC repair as well as prior appointment scheduling. Join today and start saving costs on the energy consumption of your home!
4. Condensate Drain
The condensate drain in your HVAC is considered to be one of its primary components. It removes excess water that's generated by your air conditioner's evaporator and transports it to a outdoor area where you can dispose of the excess moisture. This line helps keep the temperature of the indoor air cool, as it prevents mold from growing or damaging your home.
The condensate drain line that is blocked is a common problem that could affect every type of HVAC system. The most obvious sign that the air conditioner drain has become blocked is the presence of standing water inside the drip pan in your unit. The drip pan is a PVC pipe, which is typically situated directly beneath your appliance or is protected by an access panel that is removable. Also, it is possible to spot a musty smell when the drain lines are blocked, as this can indicate the presence of mold or algae.
The leak in the HVAC drain line could cause water to spill through your home, and then entering it. This is risk to your health and safety. It's essential to inspect and maintain your drain pipes regularly.
If you see any of the signs of a clogged drain switch off the air conditioning unit, and then disconnect it from the air ductwork. After you've emptied every drop of water that has accumulated in the drain pan, eliminate of it by using a shop vacuum. Then, if the access source to drain lines is a vent in the shape of a T with an PVC cover, you can remove the cover and flush the drain line using vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse the drain line in soapy hot water. Repeat this procedure every month to ensure that the drainage system is working properly.
There are many different things that can cause HVAC heating repair, however you can prevent these issues by staying on top of your monthly maintenance and inspections. It is important to change your air filters regularly, clean your ducts occasionally and ensure nothing is blocking the passage of air through any vents. They are easy and inexpensive methods to reduce the need for major HVAC repair costs and to help your system run more efficiently.