Unexpected issues with HVAC systems can be a nightmare, especially when they strike during the middle of a cold winter or a summer heatwave. These environments can be more than just uncomfortable, they can be unsafe – especially for children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
Keeping people safe during the summer and winter relies on maintaining your HVAC system. It is worth learning a little bit about HVAC technician procedures to evaluate our system and detect any problems early so that they can be resolved before they develop into more costly problems.
If you have a central air conditioner with gas heat, you should schedule maintenance at least twice a year. Air conditioning units, including partial air conditioning, should be checked in late spring or early summer, before the hottest part of the year. Gas heat and heat pumps should be checked in the fall, before the winter.
If you have a new heating and cooling unit, it may not need the same level of attention as an aging HVAC system, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need regular maintenance. Problems can arise at any time, and an unexpected problem with an HVAC system can be dangerous.
While heating, ventilation, and air conditioning issues can arise throughout the year, winter weather can often cause additional problems. The same holds true with plumbing issues. When homeowners schedule routine maintenance and repairs, this can make a difference in whether or not there are any issues. However, even when this is the case, unexpected problems may arise on occasion.
Maintaining Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems
On average, Energystar.gov recommends that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters should be changed every one to three months. If your home isn’t well-insulated, however, your HVAC system’s energy efficiency can decrease up to 30%. When your home is well-insulated and your HVAC system is functioning optimally, then this will make a significant difference in your home’s comfort level and energy costs.
When you live in an area that experiences heavy weather conditions during the winter and early spring, you don’t want to be without heat. Some HVAC experts have reported that approximately 75% of the calls they receive during the winter from homeowners without heat are due to furnaces and other systems not being well-maintained. When systems such as furnaces are well-maintained, however, the United States Department of Energy estimates that this can save you slightly over $30.00 a month in overall energy usage and costs.
Maintaining Your Plumbing and Sewer Systems
If you have water leaks, even simple ones such as a leaky faucet or running toilets, these can waste up to 90 or more gallons of water a day. When these issues are fixed as soon as possible, you can potentially save ten percent on your water bill. It goes without saying that this can really add up.
When your kitchen or bathroom drains back up or become clogged on a basis, it’s also important to contact a plumber near you for drain cleaning. While you may attempt to unclog your own drains or hope that this issue will resolve itself, there’s a strong possibility that you actually need a professional drain cleaning service instead.
In some instances, drain cleaning may not be enough because there are issues with your sewer line. It is not unusual for homes to need sewer line replacement during or after winter weather due to a variety of reasons. Tree roots, for example, can break through sewer pipes and cause these systems to fail. In the event that this occurs, you may want to learn more about trenchless sewer lines. If you already have this type of sewer line, then it’s important to note that trenchless sewer repair is easier to handle than its counterpart.
Contact a Local Contractor for Assistance
When your home’s HVAC unit or furnace requires routine maintenance or repairs, there’s a local HVAC service that can assist you. Furthermore, due to winter plumbing issues, such as frozen pipes, clogged drains, or damaged sewer lines, a plumbing service will also be able to assist you with necessary repairs or replacements. After these and any other pressing issues are taken care of, if’s important to schedule routine maintenance inspections.