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Inspecting Your HVAC System (Before They Check Out On You!)

11/10/2017

46 Comments

 
Have you ever woken up in the middle of a winter night, shivering under the blankets and able to see your breath? Or have you ever watched the thermostat creep into the upper 80s during a record-setting heat wave, realizing you haven't heard the air conditioner kick on? If so, your heating or cooling system was on the fritz—and (of course), it happened at the worst possible time.
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These systems not only fail when you need them the most, but also during the hardest time of the year to get a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractor to come by for repairs. Naturally, technicians are at their busiest when these systems are busiest. So, unless you have a relative in the business, the best way to ensure your heating and cooling systems keep working is to maintain them properly.
To guard against a future breakdown, have a professional perform periodic maintenance on the systems before the peak seasons begin. Have the heating system serviced in late summer or early fall, and keep in mind that priority scheduling for repeat customers may begin mid-summer. For a central air-conditioning system, arrange to have a pro check it out in the early spring, after temperatures have reached 65° F, depending on when it starts getting hot in your region.
A typical maintenance call will involve tightening electrical connections, checking the condition of hoses and belts, lubricating all moving parts, and making sure the controls work properly.
For cooling components, the contractor will clean the evaporator coils that remove the heat from the air in your home, as well as the condenser coils that release the collected heat to the outside air. Your tech will also check the fan components, make sure the refrigerant level in the system is correct, inspect ductwork and gas lines, and check for leaks.
For heating systems, technicians typically check fuel connections, change the filters, and inspect the system's combustion and heat exchangers.

What You Can Do To Keep Your HVAC System Operating!

Here are a few maintenance tasks you can perform yourself:
  • For ongoing maintenance, change the filters every three months for a forced-air system that includes both heating and cooling. If the systems are separate, change the filters every three months during the heating or cooling season. The type of filter to use and directions for changing it can be found in the manual that comes with installation. Instructions may also come with the filter, or on a label affixed to the HVAC unit.  You an also ask an HVAC contractor for advice, or visit the manufacturer's website to see if information is available online.

  • Check around the house to make sure all heating and cooling vents, baseboard heaters, and radiators are not blocked by furniture.  If they are blocked, the system has to work harder to provide you with the comfort you want, placing a strain on the system.

  • Air-conditioning systems often have an outdoor component that houses the compressor and condenser. This part of the system dumps hot air from your house to the outside as part of the cooling cycle. Remove leaves and other debris off of the top of the unit, and maintain a clearance of 2 to 3 feet around it.

Repair Vs. Replace

If your HVAC system does break down, you will be faced with the decision of whether to repair or replace it. Repairs are less expensive, but there are a number of reasons to consider replacing the entire unit.
  1. The system is eight to 15 years old. While a properly maintained system can last longer than 15 years, some older equipment is not as efficient as those available today. And with the average household spending almost half its energy budget on heating and cooling costs, it makes sense to install an energy-efficient system. For example, the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating measures how much fuel a furnace or boiler converts to heat and how much is wasted. It is not unusual to find old furnaces with an AFUE below 70%, which means that over 30% of the fuel is wasted. High-efficiency furnaces available today can achieve AFUE ratings above 98%.  That could mean a reduction in heating bills of 20 to 30%. Likewise, the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER) can be as low as 8 to 10 SEER in older units, while newer units often boast up to 25 SEER, translating to a reduction of up to 50% of cooling costs.

  2. The system needs to be repaired frequently. Even if the repairs are minor, having an HVAC contractor on speed dial does not bode well for the future. If you are faced with a major repair—such as a compressor for an air conditioner, or a blower motor for a furnace—and you have had to pay for a similar repair recently, it is time to replace the unit. 

  3. Energy bills keep going up and the house is too hot or too cold. There could be a number of reasons for this, such as leaky ducts, or a lack of insulation and weather sealing in the walls and ceiling. However, it could also mean that the current system is not the right size for the house. A properly sized system would solve that problem quickly.
When faced with a large repair, discuss your options with a qualified HVAC contractor. If you choose a replacement, make sure you hire a reputable, licensed and insured contractor associated with a company you can trust, and confirm that you have a sufficient warranty to insure you against installation and mechanical errors.  And after the repair or replacement, keep it well maintained
46 Comments
Sarah Smith link
12/18/2020 07:39:20 pm

Your information about HVAC systems is very helpful. I would like to get my system inspeted. I think it needs a repair.

Reply
Sarah Smith link
1/28/2021 12:35:04 am

Thanks for the tip to repair HVAC units that are less than 8 years old. Our furnace hasn't been working, and our children are getting too cold. We'll start looking for a service to repair it since we've only lived in this house for 5 years.

Reply
Air Duct Repair and Replacement in Lawrenceville GA link
3/2/2021 07:21:40 am

Very informative blog. Air ducts should be cleaned annually to avoid repairs and replacement.

Reply
Braden Bills link
3/25/2021 11:35:11 am

My HVAC system hasn't been working very well, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to help me out with ensuring that it works right! They would be able to repair or replace any damaged parts.

Reply
Larry Weaver link
3/26/2021 01:27:38 pm

Thanks for the info about HVAC systems. My home's heating hasn't been working properly. I'll look for a heating professional who can help me improve my home's HVAC system.

Reply
Taylor Hicken link
4/1/2021 10:14:03 pm

I appreciated it when you shared that it is important to hire a professional to perform periodic maintenance on your HVAC system. My uncle just mentioned the other day that he is concerned about his appliance that is no longer working well and it is almost winter time soon. I will suggest to him looking for a reliable service that can help to fix the issue and make sure to always maintain it regularly after this.

Reply
Adam Golightly link
4/7/2021 02:46:42 pm

My cousin has been having a lot of problems with his HVAC because his home won't stay one temperature, but fluctuates a lot. He would really like to get it looked at by a professional, so that they can fix it properly. It was interesting to learn about how he should get the system repaired a lot, and it can reduce major repair costs.

Reply
Braden Bills link
4/12/2021 10:35:08 am

My wife and I are really sensitive to hot temperatures, so I want to make sure that I keep out HVAC system working properly. It makes sense that I would want to keep the filter clean as much as I can! I'll be sure to work with a professional to handle any of the more complicated forms of maintenance.

Reply
Access Doors and Panels link
4/15/2021 09:49:12 am

The facts that have been discussed here are really important. Thank you so much for sharing a great post.


Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
4/21/2021 01:05:06 am

Thank you for sharing that one of the importance of having our HVAC system regularly maintained is that it ensures its longevity. My sister shared she is looking to have her HVAC system replaced. Once she does, I will remind her to look at the maintenance schedule.

Reply
Sarah Jean link
4/29/2021 01:39:59 pm

Thanks for the HVAC tips. My system is making loud sounds. I will look for a repair service.

Reply
Taylor Hicken link
5/11/2021 11:42:34 pm

You made a good point when you shared that it is better to replace your HVAC system if it has been used for over 15 years. My neighbor just mentioned the other day that he is having issues with his appliance as it does not seem to work well as how it used to. I will suggest to him looking for a reliable service that can help inspect the problem and provide the necessary repairs.

Reply
Braden Bills link
5/19/2021 01:00:56 pm

I want to make sure that my air conditioning system lasts me a long time. It makes sense that I would want to ensure that the proper maintenance is performed on it! I'll inspect it every once in a while so that I know when repairs will be necessary.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
5/31/2021 10:54:27 pm

It is interesting that this post shared that one of the perks of hiring an experienced HVAC contractor is that they are able to advise if we shouls repair or replace our HVAC system. My wife mentioned our HVAC system is faulty. I will hire an experienced technician.

Reply
Braden Bills link
6/1/2021 10:24:35 am

My air conditioning system hasn't been working very effectively, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to help me out with this project! That seems like a good way to ensure that my system lasts me a lot longer.

Reply
Eve Mitchell link
6/2/2021 11:50:43 am

I didn't know that you're supposed to change your filters as often as three months. I am thinking about getting a new HVAC system for my warehouse since it hasn't been turning on when it is supposed to. It's an old system so I think that a replacement would be a good thing.

Reply
Braden Bills link
6/4/2021 11:03:29 am

I want to make sure that my air conditioning system doesn't break. It makes sense that proper maintenance would be important! Maybe it would be a good idea for me to get a professional to help me out with this. They would be able to ensure that I do things correctly.

Reply
beverly minyard link
6/23/2021 01:34:01 pm

I had no idea that just replacing an air conditioning unit could cut down your heating and cooling bills by 30%! That's awesome! I always remember being too hot during the summer at our old house because my dad wouldn't let us turn on the ac unless it was super hot outside, he thought it was too expensive. Thank you so much for the info on repairing vs replacing your ac unit.

Reply
Braden Bills link
6/25/2021 09:35:00 am

MY energy bills have been going up, and I think it's because my HVAC system isn't very efficient. It makes sense that I might want to get a professional to take a look at it for me. That seems like a good way to ensure that I end up saving money in the long run.

Reply
Zachary Tomlinson link
6/28/2021 11:46:44 am

Thanks for your suggestion of having your HVAC filters regularly maintained to ensure that your HVAC unit won't receive any downtime. My uncle wants a heating and cooling system for his new countryside home before the holidays. I believe he should try looking for these HVAC experts that could assist him with choosing a unit.

Reply
HVAC Access Doors and Panels link
7/19/2021 09:03:02 am

This is well worth a read. You presented great insight and information. Thanks.


Reply
Braden Bills link
7/20/2021 10:23:24 am

I want to make sure that I take good care of my air conditioning system. It makes sense that I would want to perform the right maintenance. I'll be sure to take a good look at my HVAC system to ensure that I take good care of it.

Reply
Chance Cook link
7/29/2021 01:05:55 pm

I had no idea that people spend about half of their energy budget on heating. That is a crazy amount of money. I'll look into getting an energy-efficient system.

Reply
Curtis Butler link
7/30/2021 02:36:30 pm

I'm glad you brought up the importance of changing your HVAC system's filter every 3 months. My uncle needs help repairing his HVAC system this summer. He should hire an expert that can help handle maintenance.

Reply
Mia Evans link
8/28/2021 03:21:51 am

Thanks for helping me understand that the unit might increase the energy bills when its size is not right for the house. I guess I need to hire air conditioning contractors to help me with picking the right system for my newly bought house. Hopefully, I find ones that I can trust before me move into that house this coming September.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
8/30/2021 10:44:50 pm

I like that this post assured us that when looking to have our HVAC system serviced or repaired, it is recommended that we hire a trained technician. It makes sense as they are skilled and experienced, as well as being trained. I will definitely keep this information in mind and make a point to hiring a trained technician.

Reply
Braden Bills link
9/1/2021 10:22:52 am

My HVAC system hasn't been working properly, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to inspect it for me. They would be able to determine what is causing the problems for it.

Reply
Braden Bills link
9/17/2021 10:47:29 am

My HVAC system has been having some issues, and I'm not sure what to do about. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to repair it for me! That seems like a good way to ensure that I handle everything correctly.

Reply
HVAC in Gaithersburg link
10/7/2021 09:21:54 pm

When you feel something is not right with your HVAC systems, your HVAC System might need repairs to keep your HVAC system working. If your HVAC systems often need repairs and highly consume utility bills it may be time to consider HVAC replacements. Always go for a licensed HVAC contractor, as they do have the experience to repair HVAC efficiently. Congressional HVAC specializes in existing HVAC systems repair and HVAC replacements.

Reply
Braden Bills link
10/14/2021 11:12:19 am

My HVAC system hasn't been working properly, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to help me out with this. That seems like a good way to ensure that I put everything together right.

Reply
Braden Bills link
10/18/2021 01:08:41 pm

I want to make sure that my air conditioning system lasts a long time. It makes sense that proper maintenance would be important. That seems like a good way to ensure that any issues with it get identified.

Reply
Chance Cook link
10/28/2021 09:39:58 am

My HVAC unit needs to be repaired often. So I'll look into replacing it. All depends on what prices I can find.

Reply
Braden Bills link
10/28/2021 10:58:32 am

I want to make sure that my HVAC system gets repaired properly. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to help me out with this. They would be able to ensure that I put everything together properly.

Reply
Braden Bills link
5/4/2022 11:05:53 am

My air conditioning system has been having issues, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that working with an HVAC specialist would be important. They would be able to identify what's causing the issues.

Reply
Max Jones link
5/27/2022 01:14:40 pm

Thanks for the info about HVAC systems. My friend wants a new HVAC system for his home. I'll tell him to meet with an HVAC contractor.

Reply
Owens Heating and Air link
6/23/2022 05:14:23 pm

Change the filters after ever 3 months. Really????
I was told to change them after every 12 months!
So this is the reason my system is not working.

Thank you guys for sharing the points to check.

Reply
Mia Evans link
7/14/2022 01:13:22 am

Thanks for helping me understand that the filters of the HVAC have to be replaced or cleaned every three months. I will keep that in mind now that I live on my own in this flat that I bought. Doing this will give me peace of mind that I can avoid any major issues that might be expensive for me, since I have small savings at the moment.

Reply
callfastair link
9/29/2022 06:44:42 am

I agree. Trying to work on your air conditioning unit can be a dangerous process without the proper training. You will have peace of mind when you know that a professional HVAC contractor uses the latest methods in the industry to maximize safety while working on your system.

Reply
Annapolis HVAC Company link
10/20/2022 08:36:02 am

This is an easy to read article that provides actionable tips and advice on how to inspect your HVAC system. This will help you plan for and maintain a healthy, comfortable home environment.I give this 5 stars!

Reply
American Airconditioning North Los Angeles link
10/25/2022 10:02:17 am

Nice Blog!! The content you have shared is very elaborative and informative. Thanks a lot for sharing such a great piece of knowledge with us.

Reply
Jay Sarmiento link
11/12/2022 12:40:46 am

Thanks for sharing. Attempting to repair your air conditioner without the necessary training might be risky. Always choose trusted HVAC experts because they have the experience to deal with any type of AC problem at a reasonable cost.

Reply
Best Air DUCT Service link
1/9/2023 04:58:22 am

Thank you for pointing out these helpful HVAC maintenance tips that we can do to keep our HVAC system operating! Air ducts should be cleaned annually to avoid repairs and replacement. Thank you so much for sharing a great post.

Reply
Best Air DUCT Service link
1/9/2023 04:59:52 am

Thank you for pointing out these helpful HVAC maintenance tips that we can do to keep our HVAC system operating! Air ducts should be cleaned annually to avoid repairs and replacement. Thank you so much for sharing a great post.

Reply
Millie Hue link
2/22/2023 03:27:30 am

Thanks for pointing out that we need an HVAC professional we can easily call on when we have frequent air conditioning repair needs for minor issues. We probably need their help now because of the sounds coming from the unit. It was not like that before when we moved into this house last year, but it suddenly started earlier this afternoon.

Reply
Millie Hue link
2/23/2023 12:00:38 am

It got me when you said that we need to have a professional perform a periodic maintenance service to our unit to prevent breakdowns in the future. I will look for heating contractors I can trust here in Princeton, New Jersey to follow your advice and save me from any hassle. It's definitely needed for the system in the house that I bought, since it is not that new anymore according to the previous owner.

Reply
Tex Hooper link
3/15/2023 05:29:55 pm

I like what you said about checking around the house for cooling vents. My wife and I need to replace our HVAC system. That way we can get AC.

Reply

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