There aren't many things more frustrating than an air conditioning that refuses to run. A hot, muggy home can make your space incredibly uncomfortable, which is why I have always focused on maintaining my air conditioning system. Unfortunately, I still run into problems from time to time and I am sure that all of you do, which is one of the reasons I decided to build this website. Check out these posts for more information about keeping your system working beautifully, even if you aren't naturally good at fixing things. You never know, making the right changes could dramatically improve your summertime experience.
Herbert Franklin
Maintaining a home's mechanical systems seems, at first glance, like a daunting task. It's actually quite easy to do. While you need to hire an experienced HVAC specialist when problems arise, routine maintenance tasks, like the ones below, can be completed by the average homeowner.
1. Read the Manual: While not specifically a maintenance task, reading the manual will give you a basic understanding of how your system operates. This is especially important if you are not familiar with HVAC systems or your specific furnace. Yes, manuals can be a very boring read. They do have important information that every homeowner should know, however.
2. Change the Filter: Every home's furnace has a filter. As the warm air is pumped throughout your home and cold air returned to the furnace to be warmed up, it collects dust, microscopic bugs, and even pollen. Your furnace's filter catches these items and prevents them from re-entering your home. As you'd expect, they get pretty dirty and need to be replaced about once a month. You could also purchase a reusable filter that needs to be rinsed off and re-installed once a month for a greener choice.
3. Remove Flammable Objects: When you are changing the filter each month, take a look around for anything flammable. There should be an area several feet in diameter around your furnace that is clear of debris and other flammable materials, like paint cans, dirty laundry, and storage boxes. This open space also helps the furnace have the ventilation it needs to operate effectively.
4. Check the Vents: Take the time to check your home's vents several times during the heating season. Boxes, furniture, and curtains can all end up blocking vents that need to be clear in order to pump out that warm, toasty air. Taking the time to do this allows your HVAC system to work at peak efficiency. Look inside the vents, too. If you notice debris from a recent remodeling project, pet hair, or kids' toys, you can hire specialists to come out and vacuum the entire length of your home's vents.
5. Schedule an Annual Exam: Each year, early in the fall, call in the professionals for an annual check-up exam of your furnace and your entire HVAC system. Having a set of professional eyes look at it each year is a great way to stay on top of everything. They can see and fix minor problems before they become huge repair nightmares.
Taking these five steps to maintain your home's HVAC system will help it perform at its best, extend its life expectancy, and catch minor problems before they become big ones. For more information about maintaining your furnace, contact a knowledgeable HVAC company, such as Falcon Fuel.