How To Make Sure Your AC Unit Is Running Safely And At Optimum Performance

 

The HVAC system is designed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round and keep the quality of the air as clean as possible. It's important to make sure your system is performing at optimal efficiency. If it isn't, you can end up with unnecessarily high energy bills, and parts of your home being too hot or too cold and generally uncomfortable. To keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level year round, keep energy costs down and ensure your HVAC system is running at peak efficiency, you need to keep it properly maintained.

Signs Your HVAC System Needs Servicing

There are a number of simple ways you can tell if the central heating and cooling system in your home needs to be serviced, repaired or replaced. If you notice any of the following signs, taking quick action can save you money and make your home more comfortable:

1. Your energy bills suddenly increase.
2. You notice uneven heating or cooling in your home.
3. The system makes popping or rattling noises.
4. The flame on your furnace turns yellow.
5. Your home is unusually dusty.
6. Your HVAC equipment begins randomly turning on and off in quick succession.

Handling The Problem Yourself

The average homeowner can handle several of the common heating and air conditioning problems in their home on their own. They include periodically:

1. Replacing the air filters to improve air flow and air quality, and improve AC performance.
2. Clearing the drain line with bleach and water to prevent clogging, overflowing and damage to the AC unit.
3. Removing leaves, twigs, pollen, dirt and debris from around the outdoor AC unit with a broom or hose to make it perform more efficiently.
4. Setting the thermostat to 78° Fahrenheit in the summer and 68° Fahrenheit in the winter. This can save about 10% on heating and cooling costs.
5. Using your home's ceiling fans to more efficiently cool the house by putting them on the lowest setting. This circulates cold air, reduces reliance on the AC unit and helps lower energy costs.

Call In A Professional

Some other methods for improving the function of your heating and cooling system may require the services of a specially trained and licensed professional. They can:

1. Tighten or replace the belts inside the air conditioning unit to prevent it from freezing.
2. Inspect, clean and repair the air ducts to improve the indoor air quality and help the heating and air conditioning system function more efficiently.
3. Install a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature in your home while you are away or asleep, save energy and lower your utility bills.
4. Repair or replace your furnace to make it function more efficiently and prevent the release of dangerous carbon monoxide.
5. Replace the HVAC equipment if it is over 15 years old, isn't functioning properly and has to be repaired regularly.

Regular Maintenance Helps

Whether it is replacing dirty, clogged air filters; cleaning, repairing or replacing leaking ducts and other worn or damaged parts of the HVAC system; or servicing malfunctioning HVAC equipment, having your central air conditioning system regularly serviced can help. A properly maintained system can reduce its energy consumption by as much as 20%, improve the air quality in your home, prolong the life of your HVAC equipment, enhance AC performance, keep the temperature in your home comfortable, and save you money on your energy bills.