When summer turns to autumn or spring turns to summer, you need your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to be ready for the weather changes. The right indoor temperature and humidity levels help keep your family healthy and comfortable. An unexpected problem could lead to a health emergency when the weather is extremely hot or cold. These five tips are designed to prevent Fort Collins HVAC emergencies and keep your family safe and comfortable all year long.
Clean Around Your HVAC Equipment
Furnaces, air exchanging units and air blowers inside of your home need plenty of airflow. Keep boxes, storage bins and other items at least 2 feet away from the HVAC equipment. The outdoor compressor unit of a heat pump or air conditioner also needs to maintain airflow. Keep shrubs, grass, flowers and tree branches pruned to at least 2 feet away from the unit. Routinely clean the lint and dirt away from the air intake and outgoing air vents in each room. Arrange for professional air duct cleaning every three to five years.
Listen for Unusual Sounds
HVAC systems make certain sounds when they turn on, perform a cycle and turn off. Listen to the sounds the system makes during its typical operations. For example, the air conditioner might click on, followed by whooshing sounds from the air blower and humming of the fan on the outdoor unit. You may hear another whoosh as the refrigerant completes its cycle and a click when the cycle ends. When you recognize the usual sounds, you will know when the unit makes an atypical sound. If you hear a funny sound from the HVAC unit, call for a repair. Fixing it early could avoid an emergency later.
Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance
HVAC systems need regular maintenance performed by a professional technician. These maintenance visits include an inspection of the entire system. The techs also clean the fan, motor and electronics. Techs change air filters and conduct a system performance test. Routine maintenance also ensures that the system operates efficiently. Schedule service for the heating season and the cooling season.
Avoid Fiddling With the Thermostat
Fiddling with the thermostat stresses the HVAC system. It has to work harder when you make a lot of temperature adjustments. Find a comfortable temperature and leave it. Consider a programmable thermostat. You can input a schedule for morning, daytime, evening and overnight for 24/7 comfort. Keep lamps, TVs and other heat-generating electronics away from the thermostat. They could make the thermostat cycle the air conditioner when it is not necessary.
Check Your Electrical System
Furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners use electricity. A tripped circuit breaker or turned-off burner switch could make the HVAC unit stop working. The burner switch is typically located on the outside of the furnace. It cuts power to the unit without the need to access the circuit breaker.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your HVAC system can prevent many emergency situations and the need for urgent repairs. Sometimes, a simple check of the power switch or circuit breaker solves your problem. Scheduling a routine semi-annual service visit could also reduce the risk of an emergency HVAC repair. These tips will save you money, keep your family comfortable and keep them safe during the frigid winter months and steamy summertime heat. For emergency HVAC service in Northern Colorado, visit swanhomecomfort.com.
