Complications to Avoid with Your Home Heating and Cooling System
by Guest Post on Feb 22, 2013
Your home should be a place of comfort all year long. Many homeowners ignore the HVAC system until something goes wrong. Repairs can be expensive; they may not be limited to the appliance itself. Insulation, floors, walls, ceilings and roofing materials can be affected as well. Complications with the system can be avoided by applying preventative measures. While mechanical/electrical problems can still arise, they are caught earlier and are often less expensive than problems allowed to continue.
One condition that requires immediate furnace repair is a gas leak. A rotten egg smell indicates the gas is leaking into the house. Do not turn on any light switches or any electrical appliances. Exit the house immediately and call 911 for assistance. This condition is least likely to happen when regularly scheduled maintenance is performed by HVAC technicians.
A heat pump works by transferring heat from outside air or the ground into the house in the winter. In the summer, the system transfers heat from the indoor air to the outside. One of the most common problems is that the outside unit stops working. This could be due to freezing up, broken wires, defective thermostat or transformer or other problems. Routine maintenance will prevent many of these problems from occurring. Protecting the unit from lawn mower debris and keeping it clear of grass, weeds or other obstructions will also prevent damage to the unit.
One of the most common emergency calls for cooling contractors during the summer is water backing up into the house from the drain lines. During the summer, algae can grow in the drain lines and water pumps. This can clog the drain line and possibly burn out the drain pump. Each month, pouring a cup of bleach into the drain pan and lines will help kill the algae. If a clog exists, a technician may need to manually clear the drain line or replace the pump.
Avoid or alleviate seasonal respiratory problems by having the ducting system cleaned and inspected each year. Leaks allow moist air to escape and contribute to wood rot, destruction of insulation and mold growth. When sealed, all the heated or cooled air is delivered to the home. This helps to lower the utility bill as well. The ducts will be insulated to prevent condensation from forming and causing problems.
To help the outside condensing unit run more efficiently and last longer, keep all debris and plants away from the unit. Provide shade to the unit during the summer to help the motor stay cooler. This prevents the motor from burning out too soon. Straightening any bent aluminum fins will allow the coils to cool the refrigerant with maximum efficiency.
If the HVAC system is not cooling efficiently, the vents or filters may be blocked. Change or clean the filters once a month to ensure the unit can take in and deliver the highest amount of air. This also prevents debris from coating the evaporator coils. Debris will prevent the air from coming in contact with the metal coils; this results in less dehumidification and cooling. The system will have to work harder to keep the selected temperature, resulting in higher utility bills.
Our highly trained technicians will evaluate the home’s entire HVAC system and give a clear report of necessary repairs or maintenance. We can also advise homeowners about new HVAC technologies that will help save hundreds to thousands of dollars each year on energy costs. We can perform energy audits as well as design, install and maintain HVAC systems in any size home.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
91999 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
72959 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71168 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51522 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30088 Views
Latest Articles
5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...
on Nov 14, 2024
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Cleaning Walls with Sugar Soap
A time of year when the weather is mild is the optimal time to clean walls, so you won't need air conditioning if you follow these...
What Kind of Cook-top is Available on an Electric Range?
In the market for an electric range? There are a variety of cook-top surfaces worth serious consideration as people search for the right electric...
Landscape Designs for Backyards without Grass
Having a lawn in your backyard may be quite tedious and expensive. For maintenance, it will need large amounts of fertilizer, water, and even gas....
7 Tips for Choosing the Right Bathroom Tiles
When it comes to renovating or designing a bathroom, choosing the right tiles can make the room appealing and elegant. With that said, it can be...
When to Invest in the Best Possible Garage Doors
Everyone wants durable garage doors. But some people have no choice but to choose the best possible garage door for their property. Are you one of...