Three Ways to Avoid Costly HVAC Repairs

Most homeowners depend on their HVAC system to work when they need it, especially during summer and winter months when it tends to get especially hot or cold in some regions. Air conditioning units can be a significant investment, depending on the type of unit you have. Even for systems with low initial costs, the upkeep can become exorbitant if it’s not properly maintained. Fortunately, there are little things that you can do on a regular basis to minimize the cost of your HVAC system.

For starters, you’ll want to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for caring for your air conditioning system. This includes following the maintenance and service guidelines to ensure your unit stays in good working condition throughout the year. Ongoing maintenance doesn’t necessarily involve responding to a service advertisement. Although there are times when you need to find services for air conditioning repair Cary, NC companies provide, there are some things that can be done on your own to maximize how long your system works.

Cleaning Your HVAC System Seasonally

One of the main things you can do is clean your AC every season. There are many resources available online with do-it-yourself AC cleaning tips. You might find instructions contained in the service manual that came with the unit. Sometimes it’s just a matter of removing dust and dirt particles from all components of the unit. You can contact an HVAC technician if you are uncomfortable with taking apart the different components of your AC unit.

If you have an outdoor unit, you will need to check on a regular basis to make sure there is no debris in or around it. A problem that tends to occur is damage to the fan when dirt and debris are not removed regularly. This happens when trees, grass, or weeds start to grow around the unit. This is usually something that can be visually inspected and resolved with ease. Just keep in mind that it’s best to hire a professional to deal with electrical components related to your HVAC system. You want to avoid creating a hazardous situation for you and your family.

Calibrating the Thermostat

Generally speaking, the best type of thermostat is one that’s digital and can be programmed. The reason behind this is these types of systems are more likely to run at peak capacity since they can be programmed. If you have a manual thermostat, you will need to ensure it’s calibrated so that it functions optimally. This is something that should occur annually to optimize the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Addressing Issues Immediately as They Arise

Even when you take care of your HVAC system on a regular basis, sometimes issues arise that are indicators that you need to involve an experienced technician. If you notice that something’s wrong early on, you have a better chance of preventing more costly problems. One of the most obvious problems is that your AC is not cooling a room like it did in the past. This could mean that a larger issue is on the horizon. It could be a simple fix, like the need to increase the refrigerant levels. However, it could also be a problem with the compressor. Either way, it’s something that should be addressed immediately. You can contact us and set up an appointment as soon as possible if there’s a problem.

Another way to know that something is awry is that there are unusual noises coming from the air conditioning unit. Even if the sound is slight, you’ll want to check it out or hire someone to pinpoint the issue. The technician might just need to tighten components that are loose, which is far less costly than letting the problem persist, which will likely cause more costly damage. Other common problems that homeowners have with their HVAC unit is moisture and leaks. This is sometimes because of an issue with the refrigerant, which can be hazardous if it’s not handled properly. Since refrigerant is a chemical substance, it’s best to have a technician resolve the problem.

In addition to the above-referenced considerations, another way to know that something is wrong with your HVAC system is that there is a foul smell coming from the unit. This is actually a more serious problem that should be addressed immediately. If you ever notice a musty or burning smell, you’ll want to stop using your HVAC system until you have a technician take a look at it. A burning smell could be the result of a wiring problem, and a musty odor could be the result of mold growing in your system. In fact, any unusual odors should be addressed as soon as possible.