Just like your automobile, your homes heating and cooling systems need to be checked and maintained by a professional HVAC company at least once a year and more often for older units.
An unchecked heating and cooling system can not only cost you money in energy waste, but also in expensive repairs if a problem is left unnoticed for too long. An HVAC specialist called out to your home for a maintenance visit has a check list he follows to ensure that his assessment of your homes system is precise.
Step One – Replace Air Filters
Air filters are the most obvious items on the check list. Dirty or damaged filters constrict the flow of air entering your home. By having them checked and replaced as needed you are ensuring that your family is kept comfortable as well as safe from some air pollutants. It is a good idea to keep a note near to the filter and date whenever they need to be replaced. Filters that do not last for a certain amount of time may be an indicator of a bigger problem with your system.
Step Two – Replace Belts and Clean Coils
The belts inside the unit will succumb to wear and tear over time. It is much more convenient to have your HVAC technician replace them when he notices that they are beginning to break down during a maintenance check, then to wake up one January morning to a cold house due to its breakage. This is a simple and inexpensive replacement that could save you from a much larger problem down the road. Cleaning any accumulated buildup on the coils will also be done during the maintenance check. In order for your heating and cooling systems to work with optimal efficiency, these coils need to be devoid of any clutter or debris.
Step Three – Calibrate the System
The HVAC technician will calibrate your system at this time as well. They will want to check that the output matches the temperature settings. If a discrepancy is noted, they will perform further checks to identify and remedy the cause of the problem. This will include an assessment of the electrical wiring. All of the connections should be tight and the technician should read the voltage to make sure that the output is sufficient for the unit. All the thermostats inside your house will also be checked at this point to see if they are reading the room temperature accurately. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about using the settings to cut down on energy use.
Step Four – Inspect the Duct Work
A quick assessment of your duct work will also be performed. In most homes, the majority of duct work is hidden from view. Expect your HVAC expert to ask you some questions about the comfort levels in your house. He will specifically be curious about any hot or cold spots or rooms that consistently do not match the temperature of the rest of the house.
When it comes to your homes heating and cooling system, you want to rely on experts to keep it working properly. This is an expensive part of your home’s interior, and one slight misstep by an amateur could lead to further, much bigger issues. Contact Engineered Solutions at (314) 394-0802 to keep your system trouble free year round.