Many homeowners do not think about their HVAC in Tacoma until a problem arises. However, a bit of maintenance and forethought can prevent future catastrophes that can cost a lot of money to fix. Change the Filter The best thing homeowners can do for their HVAC systems is to check the air filter once a month and change it if it is dirty. As air flows through the vents, it picks up dust and dirt that can settle on either the cooling coils or the heating element. Over time, the debris builds up and can affect the performance of the unit. Checking the filter once a month can keep the air flowing freely and limit the buildup of dirt. Inspect the Coils/Heating Element There are two sides to many HVAC systems, the heating and the cooling. Even with a regular change of the filter, the heating and cooling elements can become dirty and not work as effectively. If the system is a heat pump, there will be coils inside the system that exchanges heat either into the home in winter or outside in the summer. But, dirt buildup will insulate these coils making it difficult to exchange the heat. If the system is forced air, the air conditioner will have coils with the same problem, but the heating element will be a little different. If there is a burner to create heat, the fuel holes can get clogged and not create enough flame. Or, an electrical heating element can get coated with dirt and become insulated like the coils. A visual inspection and a quick vacuum with a brush can clean these areas. But, homeowners should be gentle around the coils as they can be fragile and damaging them can lead to more serious problems. Pay Attention to the Fans No matter what type of system, there is going to be at least one fan that circulates the air, sometimes two. These fans are the biggest moving parts in the HVAC system and can wear down over time. Homeowners should leave repairs to the fans to a professional HVAC technician, but homeowners can listen for the warning signs. A rattling or squeaking fan can indicate loose connections. A fan that struggles to blow air or doesn't blow any could indicate other problems like a bad motor or fan belt. There are several things homeowners can do to prolong the life of their HVAC systems. The best thing they can do is partner with a company that offers maintenance programs for their HVAC in Tacoma.
Related Articles -
HVAC, Tacoma,
|