Posted by: Denver Heating
HVAC maintenance is an essential part of home ownership. By maintaining your unit, you will dramatically improve its' efficiency, save on utility costs and avoid potential breakdowns. Make sure that you turn off the electrical breakers to your HVAC whenever you are doing maintenance.
Periodic maintenance will also dramatically extend the life of your unit. So here are a few tips for thing that you should check to make sure your system is working correctly.
Change Your Filters
One of the most cost effective steps that you can take is to change your filters on a regular basis. Your filters are designed to remove dirt and allergens from the air circulating in your home. By changing them on a regular basis you can keep the air in your home cleaner for you and your family.
But changing filters will also help your HVAC system work better and experience fewer mechanical problems. Over time, as the filter removes more debris from your home's air, it becomes clogged and works less efficiently. This not only puts more strain on your system but also wastes utilities.
Check Your Fan
As it operates, the fan that circulates the air can become loose due to vibration. Whenever you change your filters check the fan to make sure that it is solidly placed. If the bolts that hold it in place are loosened it allows the fan to move and that slackens the fan belt.
Check Your Fan Belt
Fan belts are one of the pieces that are constantly moving in your furnace. Check them every time you change your filter to see if they are becoming worn and need replacing. If they are shiny it can indicate that the belt is sliding on the pulley and has stretched or loosened enough that it no longer has a tight fit.
Clean The Fan Blades
Check and vacuum the blower area. Also make sure to use a brush or rag to wipe of the fan blades. Dust and dirt build-up on the fan blades can lead to extra strain on the motor and even throw your fan out of balance.
Oil The Fan Motor
Putting a few drops on the blower motor can keep it running smoothly. However, some newer motors are sealed and don't require oil so make sure that you check with your HVAC maintenance person about whether or not you need to oil the motor.
Once A Year
Every year it is important that you have a HVAC maintenance professional check your HVAC unit. If it is a combination heater/cooler unit having it checked at the change of seasons is a good idea. You should also check various components including the air filters, belt, the air ducts, and the fan controls. If appropriate, also inspect your burner flame.
Conclusion
By taking good care of your HVAC unit you will get a longer life out of it and lower overall maintenance costs. Just like anything else that requires regular maintenance, waiting until it is broken will only up the expense of fixing it. Make sure that you do regular HVAC maintenance and you'll be much less likely to be sitting in the heat one hot night with a broken air conditioner trying to find someone who can fix it.
HVAC contractors in Birmingham AL can help maintain, repair, and install all of your hvac, air conditioning and heating systems. To learn more visit, http://www.birminghamhvac.com.
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