Why HVAC Maintenance Is Important

HVAC repair maintenance should be done periodically to ensure that your heating and cooling system is working properly. This might include checking the thermostat and ensuring the registers are open in your home along with replacing air filters.

A professional will know how to spot and resolve issues that might affect your system, reducing high-cost breakdowns in the future.

Power Outage

A power outage from a hurricane, storm, or other natural disaster can leave your HVAC system without power. Even a small surge when the power comes back on can damage your HVAC equipment and shorten its lifespan.

To prevent this, turn off your thermostat right away and check the breaker box. Reset any switches that were tripped by the outage. Wait twenty or thirty minutes before turning the power back on to give the internal circuits and motors a chance to reset properly.

No Airflow

Air must be able to enter and disperse in order for your HVAC system to heat or cool properly. Closed vents or obstructed vents can cause hot/cold spots and imbalanced pressure throughout your house.

Dirty ducts often result in poor airflow. Over time dust, dirt and even rodent nests can clog ductwork. Professionals can use cameras to inspect the ductwork for signs of blockage.

People sometimes close vents on a chilly day, but this compromises airflow and can result in stuffy rooms. A professional can ensure all dampers are open. Then it’s just a matter of finding any furniture that is blocking a vent or re-opening any closed ones.

No Heat

Having your HVAC system maintained on a regular basis means you can cut costs, maintain high efficiency and enjoy great indoor air quality. It can also reduce the chances of higher-cost breakdowns down the road.

If you’re getting a chilly breeze when you want warm air, start by checking the thermostat and making sure it’s set to heating and not cooling. You should also make sure that the registers are open and the air filter is fresh.

Wherever wiring and moisture exist, corrosion can happen. Corrosion on the wires and terminals of your HVAC system causes it to turn on and off randomly and force it to work harder, which will eventually lead to a complete break.

Blocked Condenser

Many things can clog your condenser. Whether outside or in a mechanical room, it can become obstructed by dirt, plants or even insects. This can reduce its ability to transfer heat and impact airflow in your house. A simple fix is to pour a cup of vinegar into the drain line access point and allow it to break down any clogs.

A failing contactor switch or run capacitor can also stop the fan from rotating. Fortunately, these components are inexpensive and easy to replace. Having them replaced can increase the lifespan of your unit. They also save you money by making your system more efficient.

Blocked Evaporator Coil

If your evaporator coil is blocked with dirt, it affects your system’s ability to properly cool your home. This happens because ordinary household dust (fabric fibers, skin cells and soot) sticks to the aluminum fins on air handler coils.

The debris interferes with heat transfer, which leads to a frozen coil and reduced cooling. It can also overwork the compressor and blower motor, causing them to overheat.

Your HVAC technician recommends cleaning your evaporator coil regularly. This involves shutting off power and removing the outer casing and top of your air conditioning unit to access the coil. It also includes straightening bent fins with a special fin-straightening tool.

Dirty Filter

Keeping your HVAC system’s air filter clean is one of the most important things you can do to help keep your energy costs down and avoid expensive repairs. A dirty filter allows dust, dander and other allergens to pass through the system into your home’s air ducts. This can cause asthma and allergy symptoms in household members.

A clogged filter also restricts the flow of cold air through your HVAC system. This could lead to ice forming on the evaporator coils, leading to a breakdown that requires costly repair. A simple white sheet test can be used to check for a dirty filter.