Friday, November 15, 2013

Tips For Maintaining A Heating And Cooling System

Tips For Maintaining A Heating And Cooling System

By Melissa Wilson


In most homes the HVAC system is the most expensive appliance. This system provides heating and cooling to keep occupants comfortable when the weather outside is less than agreeable. When properly maintained, these systems can provide many years of efficient and dependable service.

While all air conditioning systems work in a fairly standard way to provide a cool environment in one's house, there are options for keeping warm during the cold days of winter. Still, the maintenance required by the homeowner will remain basically the same, regardless of the method the system used to heat the home.

Forced air systems all require a filter. The filter is generally easy to access and intended to be changed by the occupant. It should be checked monthly and replaced if dirty. Filters must be changed a minimum of once every three months. While filters improve air quality, their primary purpose is to protect the system from dust and dirt.

Systems that also provide air conditioning will have an outside unit as well as the one located inside the home. These units are exposed to dust, dirt and pollen. These materials collect in the coils reducing efficiency of the system. They can easily be removed using a gentle spray from a garden hose.

No matter the heat source, the system will require annual maintenance provided by a certified HVAC technician. The coolant levels in heat pumps and air conditioning systems are checked and balanced. Devices that burn fuel to create heat will have the burner cleaned and flame adjusted to ensure clean burning and efficiency. In addition, the device is checked for safety.

Maintenance of a heating and cooling system is needed to ensure it remains efficient and safe. Systems that are not serviced will lose as much as 10% efficiency each year. Most owners find the cost of a service call to be recovered in lower costs for utilities.




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