5 Simple Steps for Your HVAC Maintenance

The following are five easy and simple steps for you to maintain your HVAC system in the best working condition throughout the year.

1. Corrosion prevention

The metal your HVAC oil tank is made of can get oxidized over a period of time due to air that helps accumulation of sludge and damage to the tank. A great preventative measure is to do a thorough cleaning every seven to ten years. In case you have an underground tank, it is best to switch it with a sheltered tank over the ground. This will reduce the possibility of damage caused by corrosion.

2. Tank protection

There are so many elements that lead to rusting of different parts, which in turn causes weakening of the structure. Tanks can handle only a certain amount of weight. Therefore, it is important for you to stay alert because if the tank gives way, the structure might just crack. Rusting tends to start from inside and so covering of the tank is just not enough. If the structure has remained uncovered for too long then it has to be replaced.

3. Inspection of leaks

Every single section of the heating system needs to be checked for oil leaks. You must take a closer look at the valves, delivery line, fittings and pipes. You should also look for leakages in the areas around grilles and air registers, floor joists, duct connections, and the heating unit. Clean all the leaking areas properly and seal them with foil tape or duct mastic for safety.

4. Burner cleaning:

For keeping the indoor heating dependable and trouble-free, you should check the state of your burner on a regular basis. In case the burner is covered with undesirable substances such as carbon residue, it will be impossible for the flame to brighten up to its optimal brilliance. Because of this, it may sputter partially in and out of existence leading to uneven heating. It is therefore necessary for you to clean the burner on a regular basis, and also to ensure that the heat exchanger does not crack. Clean burner will assist in increasing heating efficiency and reducing fuel costs.

5. Installation of cheap upgrades:

There are numerous other inexpensive ways to save repairs in the future. For instance, installation of a safety valve can be of a lot of help. You may also put in a fuel delivery line covered with a sleeve that prevents leaks. These installations can be performed by a HVAC professional to ensure that there are no errors.

By taking out time to care for your heating system, you will be able to save a lot of bother on future repairs that may require hundreds of dollars and several hours of time, especially when you are hard-pressed. Consult a professional heating and air conditioning contractor  for the right advice and informed options for your system.

How to maintain your heating and cooling system?

Ventilating, air-conditioning and heating systems, also known as HVAC systems, are not only important for maintaining "thermal comfort," but can also ensure "good air quality.” However, without proper servicing and cleaning these machines may lose their efficiency and may eventually stop working. Experts believe, with proper know-how anyone can take necessary steps to keep the systems running.

How to perform regular HVAC maintenance?

Filter inspection:

Start by inspecting the HVAC filters and changing them with new ones every six months. In case you notice blockages on your filters during the monthly inspection, change them straightaway rather than waiting till six months.

Also, when replacing filters, it is important to choose the right brand. Not all brands offer the same efficiency. Talk to an expert about the best filters available in the market for your HVAC system.

Disinfect evaporator coils:

Damp evaporator coils are prone to molds and mildew. Use a solution of bleach and water to kill any 

growth on the coils. Once disinfected, clean the coils thoroughly. Indoor and outdoor evaporator coils have a tendency to get caked with dust deposits and debris. Scrub both the coils with the help of an acidic cleaner.

Make sure you wear gloves and a mask to secure yourself from both the airborne mold spores and bleach. Also, turn off the HVAC system for your safety.

Clean up excessive water:

Get rid of stagnant water pools near the air-intake vents, particularly those close to or on the roof. You can clean up the excessive water with the help of a rag to prevent molds. Some buildup is fine, but if you find pools of water accumulating near your HVAC system more often than once in six months, there is a good chance that your system has other issues.

Inspect the fans:

Another important regiment is to inspect the HVAC fans, bi-annually. Fans have a tendency to fill up with debris and dirt, lowering the air flow and efficiency. However, make sure you turn the system off to keep away from injury from the rotating fan blades. Clean up the area with a damp rag in case of minor dust deposits, or with soapy water for dried dirt.

Get professional help:

It is wise to hire a HVAC technician to inspect and clean your system every year as part of your maintenance regiment. Professional cleaning can give the best results, and a meticulous inspection will let you know about any major problems that need attention.

Central cooling and heating units play an important role in maintaining a comfortable temperature. To make these systems work flawlessly the whole year round, it is important to take good care of them. Clean and change the components regularly. Also, in case of a fault, call up a professional to handle the problem. It is advisable not to attempt repairs of your HVAC system on your own.

How to hire an HVAC expert

We never place enough importance to the professionalism of the HVAC technician who is hired to maintain or repair the home cooling or heating system. We always feel that periodic checks are important to keep the home comfort systems healthy, and for this, any technician is okay. Usually, we tie up with the local agency or contractor, who sends across a technician for the periodic checks and maintenance required. It would do us a wealth of good if we are aware of our comfort needs and how important they are to us before we actually hire a technician for our comfort system. 

Growing comfort needs 

 

All of us like to enjoy life with comfort and ease. This is the reason we see air conditioners and heaters being installed in almost every other home and definitely all corporate offices.

But, installation of comfort systems requires competency and skill that not all technicians have. The HVAC technician should also have knowledge of plumbing to conduct efficient installations. It does not stop here. Once the installation has taken place, periodic checks need to be conducted to ensure system efficiency and long life. Cleaning and maintenance is required at regular intervals to enjoy continued comfort. 

For all this we require a skilled heating and air conditioning service technician who will perform periodic maintenance of your heating and air-conditioning systems. These regular checks can also identify the prospective repairs that are likely to take place in the future. A good technician will also maintain the right system efficiency and foresee any major problems and fix them well in advance.

Hence, the need is not just for a technician, but a HVAC professional who knows his job and will save our families from any domestic hazards, such as an ignition or a major repair. But do we place as much importance to the technician as we should? 

Spare a second thought

Have you ever given a second thought to the technician who has come over to have a look at your heating and cooling system? Can you tell if it was the same person who came the last time for the periodic check? Have you ever seen his license or any form of proof to ensure he is a professional? 

Most of us never spare a second thought to the technician. We just do not bother about the person’s professionalism or skills as long as our systems are well maintained. Conscious effort is required to understand the technician who comes to our house. After all, we trust him with the lives and well being of our families! 

Here are some tips that can help us source and hire a good HVAC technician.

• Look for a company that houses a team of professional technicians. Usually, such companies boast of the Technician’s Seal of Safety. This seal of safety symbolizes the contractor's commitment towards his job and these companies will always employ skilled personnel as their reputation is at stake.
• Ask your technician about the maintenance of the system. Timely checks means coming on time and conducting all the required checks essential for smooth working of the system.
• Maintain a checklist and ensure that all checks mentioned are completed at regular intervals.
• Remember, professional technicians not only provide timely services, but also offer advice on any impending repairs or breakdowns.
• A little market research on the reputation of the HVAC contractor can work wonders. If you get good reviews on the contractor from your neighborhood, you can safely hire him.
• Reference check with the clients the HVAC company has worked for. A competent contractor will never hesitate to share the names and addresses of its clients. Call a few of them and check on the professionalism of the contracting company. Questions on the effectiveness of the contracting system and quality of service they render go a long way in hiring the right technician.

If you are hiring a company that will send a technician periodically, you can ask some of these basic questions before you actually hire them for you HVAC maintenance needs. These include questions on 

a. minimum education and skills of the technicians
b. knowledge of the different types of energy rating comfort systems have
c. estimated price for each type of job
d. technicians' experience in the field
e. timeline for work such as installation or repairs 

Hiring a technician with care will ensure a long and satisfactory relationship.

When to replace my HVAC

Everyone goes through the dilemma regarding which would be the right time to replace your old air conditioning unit with a new one. Though millions have experienced similar conflicts and confusions, there is definitely a life time for HVAC units too. The new unit will have the most efficiency in terms of cooling and energy consumption. As time passes, and the unit get older, its efficiency reduces. It starts to step in the pedal of power consumption and slowly you find your energy bills increasing. 

How good are regular maintenance promises?

 

Regular maintenance of your air conditioner is not only essential to reduce wear and tear, but also helps in increasing the life of your air conditioner. Now, the obvious question is: Does not reducing wear and tear increase the life of the system. Yes, it does, but regular and professional maintenance is much more than that. It helps keep your system clean, ensures healthy indoor air circulation and helps monitor the aspects of parts that are most likely to wear in the near future. 

Regular and planned maintenance can help smooth sailing and a lot of unexpected expenses. Trained technicians will be able to warn you before time about the part or parts that are likely to fail in the future and also provide suggestions for their repair and efficiency. 

In no way can regular maintenance help in making your system run efficiently for decades together. Eventually, you will need to make a decision to get a new air conditioner and there are a number of reasons for that replacement decision you will need to take.

Noise

If your air conditioner is noisy, this could be the first sign for you to begin thinking about getting a new system. Noisy systems often do not cool the room evenly too. When you find your system groaning when you switch it on, you can be sure that its days are beginning to get numbered.

Increased energy cost

Air conditioners that are losing time begin to consume more and more electricity. This happens when its efficiency begins to decrease, and the reasons could be just too many. When you see your energy bills increasing, you could start getting aware that your air conditioner is probably getting old. This is one of the signs that you need to get a new system for yourself. 

Age

 

If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it is definitely time to start looking for a new one. Often people make the mistake of getting a technician to do the repairs and hope to get across for another few years. This is not so. Typically, your air conditioner can consume about two times more electricity that even new, low-end one would.

Frequent repairs

If you need to call the HVAC technician often because your system decides to go awry every now and then, you are definitely on the path of replacing your air conditioner. This means that the parts inside the air conditioner are beginning to wear and repairing them is only a temporary solution. 

Technology

 

Each year there is a leap in technology. New and improved technology replaces the older one. Hence, products that come into the market are based on the latest technology. When you replace your old HVAC system with a new one, you are actually bringing home new technology that is the need for the hour. Systems based on the latest technology are usually pretty energy efficient and translate into savings in the long run. 

The factors described are some of the common signs of air conditioner aging and a brief overview of the common dilemma most people face. When you come across even two of the problems mentioned, you need to take a quick decision for buying a new air conditioner- and before the old one breaks down completely.