Homeowners who are considering buying an air conditioner must also consider the routine maintenance that comes along with it. Protecting your HVAC system is a year-round concern as the fluctuating temperatures from hot to cold in some regions can really wreak havoc on your equipment.
This is particularly true in the winter months as the cold weather brings snow, sleet, and ice, all of which can have an impact on the condition of your HVAC. That’s why it’s so important to conduct some post-winter care on your system to ensure that it’s running properly and efficiently. You’ve been running it through the winter to heat the home, but now that it’s starting to warm up outside, you will soon be using it to keep things cool inside.
You want to conduct a full assessment of your HVAC system by taking these simple steps to determine that everything is in proper working order and ready for the summer as winter fades away and the days get longer:
Check Your Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are among the most essential components necessary to the uninterrupted operation of your air conditioning. If the filters are dirty, this can be detrimental as dirty filters will force your system to work harder and longer, potentially burning it out through increased wear and tear.
Your air filters have a specific job to do, they filter all of the particulate out of the air that moves through your air conditioner. As you run the system, more air moves through it, resulting in an accumulation of debris that gets caught. This is normal as it means your filter is doing what is expected of it.
However, you can’t allow your filter to get dirty and remain that way for an extended period of time. If it gets too dirty, that makes it hard for the air to circulate through. Dirty filters can clog your system’s airflow and reduce performance. We recommend that you change out your air filters every two to three months depending on how often you use your HVAC system. Allowing them to remain for any longer could cause serious damage.
Don’t Procrastinate
So your system has been making some strange noises of late. Perhaps there’s a slight delay when you turn it on. The air coming out of the vents isn’t as strong as you might remember. These are all seemingly minor issues that can turn into major problems if you let them.
Procrastination is never a good idea when it comes to your HVAC system because these issues are not going to solve themselves. You need to address them quickly to avoid sustaining any major damage that might occur when something is left unchecked.
Should you be experiencing any strange noises or reduced air pressure, Robertson Electric HVAC services can diagnose any problem and provide you with the right solution to keep your system running smoothly after the winter months have gone and summer approaches.
The longer you wait, the worse your problems might get, and the more it will cost to fix them.
Check Your Thermostat
Sometimes the culprit responsible for an HVAC system’s failure is the thermostat. When your unit isn’t working properly, that can be the reason for certain malfunctions with your heating and cooling.
The most common problem that thermostats can exhibit are faulty temperature sensors that lead to a premature shut-down of the system. If the thermostat isn’t getting the correct temperature reading in your home, it can operate inaccurately. Now that winter is over and you will soon be relying on your thermostat to help regulate the cool air in your home, it’s a good idea to check your thermostat to ensure that it’s operating correctly.
Even if you don’t detect any problems yourself, your unit may need to be re-calibrated to keep it working correctly.
Routine Checkups
The best time to have your HVAC system checked out is when there’s nothing wrong. Spending a little bit of money to keep up with preventive care is the best way to keep your system in great shape. Routine checkups can identify potential problems early, before they become real issues that need to be fixed.
Now that winter is in the rear-view mirror, get everything checked out by one of our technicians so your air conditioner works through the hot summer season. The last thing you want is for your system to break down when the temperatures are at their hottest. We’ve seen some of the warmest summers on record and things are not likely to cool down this upcoming season.
