Imagine your air conditioning unit going on the fritz in the middle of summer or your heating system failing to work in the winter. These scenarios are what a homeowner would consider "emergencies" in the home. Your system failing when you need it the most can be frustrating and unnerving.
Luckily, these units don't just fail in one day. They are incredibly predictable, and by observing their performance and staying on top of maintenance, you can say goodbye to heating and cooling emergencies. With this in mind, here are the top tips on how to keep HVAC emergencies at bay!
Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance
Regular professional maintenance is the secret to keeping your heating and cooling system in excellent condition at all times. You should schedule professional maintenance at least twice a year to maintain a functional system. If you have pets and kids or you live in a dusty area, more frequent tune-ups would be ideal. During professional maintenance, the HVAC service expert will do the following:
- Clean the filters, outdoor condenser coils, and indoor air handlers
- Check refrigerant level and refill if necessary
- Inspect the heat exchanger and safety controls
- Clean burners and check for damage
- Inspect fan motor, blades, compressor, and refrigerant tubing
- Lubricate moving metal parts
In addition to undertaking these and other crucial tasks, the contractor will also look for signs of physical wear to the components. If any, they will fix the issues to prevent a system breakdown which would result in an emergency
Avoid DIY Repairs
It's normal to want to take apart your heating and cooling system and repair damaged parts. After all, there are endless tutorials on YouTube that you can watch. While DIY repairs may save you money, they can set you up for future emergencies. For example, as you open the condenser unit, you may accidentally damage the refrigerant lines and cause leaks. This will not only be costly to repair, but it can eventually undermine the performance of the system. Therefore, only entrust a professional with all HVAC repairs.
Don't Put Off Upgrades and Replacements
You've had your central heating and cooling system for almost a decade now. The unit is inefficient, and it behaves erratically. You have undertaken countless repairs. The system will fail when you need it to work. If your HVAC system is giving signs of old age, it's time to say goodbye.
Upgrade it with a newer, more efficient model. You will save yourself from the worry of wondering when it will give up. What's more, you'll enjoy modern functionalities that improve indoor air comfort while generating energy savings.
Are you ready to say goodbye to heating and cooling emergencies? Adhere to these pointers and remember to work with a professional contractor for all repairs, tune-ups, and installations.
