Despite being one of the most vital parts of your home’s environment, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is frequently overlooked. By moving air around your home and screening allergens in the air, the HVAC system keeps you comfortable. The HVAC system plays an important role for keeping comfortable indoor temperatures isolated from the outside climate.
Many people aren’t even aware that their HVAC system is having issues and is running inefficiently until it breaks down or causes a rise in their electricity bill. Many people will then contact their local HVAC firm, who will advise them to purchase a new replacement system.
This approach to HVAC system maintenance where reacting to problems only as they occur is more costly and can often be avoided with the help of some simple steps. HVAC systems don’t usually break down suddenly; instead, they gradually become ineffective over time as a result of a series of minor faults.
- Turn off the electric current running to the system
The first step is to make sure that all the electric current towards the system is turned off. The last thing you need is a big jolt while fixing your HVAC system. The bigger the HVAC system is the stronger the electric current running around it. If you are not careful, this can result in some pretty serious injuries or even fires.
- Make a visual check of the system
A visual check is necessary as this allows you to get a good picture of the system prior to the changes you make while fixing it. There are times when the damage to the system is relatively accessible and can be determined easily. A visual check allows you to simply solve the issue without having to perform complex procedures to find the damage.
Additionally, if all your system needs is some thorough cleaning, this can usually be determined by a simple visual check.
- Check the filters
The filters are meant to catch all the particles in the air that can cause irritation for you. If you haven’t checked the filters of your HVAC system in a while and you’re currently having issues with the system, chances are the filter is dirty and is clogging up the system.
For most HVAC systems, your filters can be easily removed and inspected. Some manufacturers allow for some DIY cleaning, in which case use a soft bristled brush to scrub through the spaces of the filter. Depending on manufacturer specifications, common dishwashing soap may be used, otherwise there are off the shelf filter cleaners.
If your manufacturer specifically mentions that filters should be disposed of instead of being cleaned, make sure your replacement filter has the same specifications as the manufacturer’s pre-installed one.
- Check Pipings for any leaks
Refrigerant leaks are a very common issue with HVAC systems. This can be caused by direct hits or by gradual corrosion. Additionally, the radiator fins may also be bent out of shape. Radiator fins are pretty malleable and you can often bend them back into shape with a simple flathead screwdriver.
If you do see leaks, this is often a bigger task than a simple DIY. It would be best to call specialists, like those from Abundant Air Inc., to handle these cases. A recharging of the refrigerants will also be necessary to make sure your HVAC system is able to cool the air.
It would be best to protect the system from falling debris to avoid direct impacts and cause damages. A simple covering will allow you to avoid a lot of headache. Just remember to keep the ventilation open. Investing in fume arms in Ontario is also a good idea.
- Check the electrical system
The last step is to check the electrical parts of your HVAC system. Wirings, electric motor, electronic parts, etc.
Electrical parts, especially wirings that are meant to conduct heavy electrical currents, are made to be very durable and can withstand significant damage. Check for any rubber insulators that are torn, electrical wires that are kinked.
If you see some damage, call the experts for this as any DIY of electrical systems can cause fires.
