Performing routine HVAC maintenance can help catch problems before they become severe. This simple maintenance tip can save you money and prolong the lifespan of your equipment.
Look for unusual odors or sounds, which can be signs of serious problems. Keep the unit clean and clear of leaves, dirt, and debris.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is the heart of your HVAC system. Keeping it clean is one of the best ways to keep your system running correctly. This includes checking for obstructed vents, damaged registers, and dust buildup. Ensuring the thermostat is paired with your specific system is also essential.
If your thermostat’s screen is dark, the problem may be as simple as a dead battery. Changing the batteries may be a tripped circuit breaker if it doesn’t fix the issue. To check this:
- Find the breaker box and identify which is responsible for powering your thermostat.
- Flip the breaker switch to the “on” position.
- If this doesn’t work, contact a professional for further assistance.
Check the Refrigerant Levels
To perform routine repair and maintenance for your HVAC system, contact a professional HVAC technician from hvac repair in Kansas City.
Your HVAC system relies on refrigerant to absorb and release heat in the evaporator and condenser. If the refrigerant levels get low, the system won’t be able to cool your home effectively.
The easiest way to check the refrigerant levels is to look for ice on the lines. If you see ice, it’s likely that the refrigerant level is low and needs to be recharged.
A more advanced method is to use a gauge to inspect the air pressure. This is usually found on the outside unit of the AC system and is covered with a protective cap. You can also listen for a hissing sound, often the sign of a refrigerant leak.
Check the Electrical Connections
The electric wiring of the HVAC system is essential to its proper operation. Essentially, the wiring acts like roads connecting the various electrical components of the system.
First, to check the electrical connections, shut off power to the HVAC unit by turning off the breaker switch near it. Then, remove the front panel of the thermostat and HVAC unit and look for wires connected to them. These wires will be colored according to their function and should be free of any signs of wear or corrosion.
Electrical issues with HVAC systems can cause intermittent AC cycling, resulting in costly repairs. Fortunately, a professional technician can spot these issues before they become more severe.
Check the Filters
Keeping the air filter clean allows your system to operate efficiently, reducing energy usage. It also stops contaminants like dust, allergens, pet hair, and pollutants from blowing around the house.
Start by turning off the HVAC system and finding the access panel to remove the filter. Typically, the filter fits into your return air duct slot near your furnace or indoor unit. In other cases, the filter sits behind the vent grill in a wall or ceiling. Some systems have filters in less occupied spaces like the basement, crawl space, or utility closet.
If the filter is dirty, clean it by scrubbing it with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry before reinserting it. If the filter is the wrong size, replace it.
Check the Ductwork
If some rooms feel cold or hot, it could indicate duct leaks. In addition to the obvious visual signs like disconnected joints, kinks in flexible ducts, or significant gaps, look for rust and old duct tape (Duct tape is not a permanent solution). Dirty ducts could make the air quality inside much worse and affect your health, so you should make sure to occasionally hire a company offering duct cleaning in Tucson, AZ, or wherever you are, to take care of it and prevent problems in the future.
A simple inspection can reveal the source of a leak. Hold a stick of incense or toilet paper up to the ducts and move it around. If the smoke or paper moves erratically, there is a leak in that section of the ductwork. If you can see the problem area, use foil-backed duct tape to patch it up. Foil-backed tape resists temperature changes and works well for small holes and connections.
