Your home’s HVAC unit plays a leading role when it comes to keeping you comfortable year round. Most homeowners don’t think twice about their heating or air conditioning until it doesn’t turn on, or it doesn’t produce the warm or cool air that is expected. Repairing an HVAC unit can run the gamut in terms of expensive and usually these repairs take homeowners by surprise. Luckily, homeowners are more in control than they realize. Here are some things you may not have known that can minimize the needs for heating and cooling repair in Marietta. Your HVAC Unit Needs Regular Maintenance The number one reason heating and air conditioning units need service is often due to poor maintenance. A lot of homeowners take a hands-off approach to their HVAC units, which can lead to underlying problems in time. HVAC repair services offer affordable maintenance programs to help homeowners stay ahead of problems, but if you want to keep a little extra cash in your bank account, many of the maintenance requirements are something you can do yourself. These tasks include things such as replacing the unit’s filter once every 30 days, listening for odd noises that are not normal operation sounds, and inspecting exposed ductwork for cracks where air could leak out through. Also, don’t neglect the unit’s outside component. This is the part of the HVAC unit that controls the air conditioning. Check the outside unit regularly for debris that may have become lodged in the fan from storms, critters, or even from cutting the lawn. If you do find debris, use a garden hose to spray the fan. Never put your fingers in the unit. The fan could turn on unexpectedly, and you’ll end up spending time in the emergency room. During the winters months when the air conditioner is not in use consider covering the outside unit. This simple action will prevent squirrels and other critters from using the unit as food storage. Many Air Conditioning Repairs Are Electrical Related When your air conditioner stops working, don’t panic. It’s easy to envision a huge repair bill, and the need for a new unit, but that rarely happens. Electrical problems are the most common reason for air conditioning malfunctions. Did you recently install a new thermostat? If you answered, yes, the problem could be an issue with the installation that is easily and inexpensively solved. Even if the problem is more serious, electrical repairs are always cheaper than full unit replacement. Other than a poorly wired thermostat, additional reasons for electrical problems include the following: - Tripped circuit in the electrical panel box
- Blown fuse in the unit’s service panel located near the condensing unit
- Blown capacitors
A tripped circuit can easily be remedied by a homeowner with access to the main electrical panel and a flashlight, but the other electrical issues should be addressed by a licensed HVAC technician. Air Conditioning Units Rarely Stop Working Out of the Blue Air conditioning units are quite polite in this manner. Your system will give you several clues before a complete shutdown occurs if the problem is not electrical. You may notice that the air isn’t as cool as it once was or that the unit doesn’t run long enough or runs too long. Loud operation is another indicator that something isn’t quite right. HVAC technicians encourage homeowners to be alert and to pay close attention to any sounds that are out of the ordinary. If you do need heating and cooling repair in Marietta, make sure the person working on your HVAC unit is licensed, insured, and trained to work on your system to ensure quality, long-lasting repairs.
Related Articles -
heating, and, cooling, repair, Marietta,
|