How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly
HVAC technicians have a busy season, especially in the summer. It is a rewarding career because it helps homeowners stay calm and avoid death from intense heat.
Performing routine maintenance is the best way to keep heating and cooling costs low. Some basic repairs and maintenance are accessible for homeowners, like replacing an air filter or installing a smart thermostat. Contact Heating And Cooling Van Nuys for professional help.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow into your HVAC system, forcing it to work harder. This puts undue strain on the fan motor, which can cause it to burn out and overheat, resulting in expensive repairs or even system replacement. The best way to avoid this problem is by replacing your air filters regularly and scheduling regular maintenance with an HVAC professional.
Dirty Coils
The evaporator coil in your HVAC unit absorbs heat from the air, and it needs to be clean to do so effectively. When dirt and debris build up on the evaporator coil, it becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. These contaminants are then circulated throughout your home, contaminating indoor air quality and potentially triggering respiratory ailments.
Over time, a dirty air filter will cause your evaporator coil to become covered in gunk, which restricts the heat transfer process. This causes your system to overwork, leading to premature wear and tear that will reduce its lifespan and increase your energy costs. Regular filter changes and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and protect your investment.
Another major issue with a dirty air filter is that it restricts the flow of air into your ductwork, which can cause the blower to short cycle and shut off. This will cause your ductwork to get dusty and dirty, which will ultimately require professional duct cleaning or system repair.
A dirty air filter will also promote the growth of mold on the evaporator coil, which can be a serious health issue for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. It can also damage the coils and cause them to freeze, preventing heat transfer and creating an inefficient cooling system. A professional can thaw your evaporator coil and restore it to its original condition, protecting the rest of your system and ensuring healthy indoor air quality. An air conditioner cleaning service is a relatively inexpensive, preventive measure that can help you save money and extend the life of your system. An HVAC technician will use special tools to clean the coils and reattach them, as well as apply a biocide to thwart future mold growth.
Debris in the Unit
Keeping the outdoor unit clear of twigs, leaves and cobwebs is important because it will improve the airflow through the coil. If the airflow is restricted, it will impede heat transfer and affect your AC’s efficiency. During the fall, when yard work is at its peak, cleaning the outdoor unit is a vital part of seasonal maintenance. When you shut off the power to the unit at the breaker and open up the outer metal cover, it’s easy to remove clumps of cut grass, twigs, leaves and cobwebs from around the coil.
Cleaning your outdoor unit is also an opportunity to clean up any debris that’s accumulated on the coil fins and cabinet. It’s recommended that you use a water spray with low pressure to gently clean away dirt, grime and dust. However, it’s essential that you do this with the unit turned off to avoid any electrical hazards.
In addition to a dirty filter, another common reason for dirt streaks around ceiling or wall registers is airborne contaminants that haven’t been properly cleaned out of the room. This can occur because of a number of reasons, including closed vents in rooms that aren’t used or a filtration system that isn’t powerful enough to remove contaminants from the air.
The easiest way to prevent contaminants from entering your HVAC system is to seal the ducts at their seams and install a whole-house air purifier. Regular maintenance, like an HVAC tune-up in the fall and spring, can help to keep the indoor environment as clean as possible.
Power Outage
When the power goes out, it usually shuts off your HVAC system. This helps prevent an abrupt feed of electricity that can damage your unit and shorten its lifetime. When the power comes back on, however, it’s important that you don’t turn on your system immediately. This can damage your equipment again and result in a costly repair bill down the road.
Before turning on your heating and cooling system, check your circuit breakers to see if any have been tripped. The first step in this process is to locate your breaker box, which typically sits in an attic or laundry room and may be labelled “AHU” or “AC”. Then, look for switches that are not in the on position and flip them to the on position. Once you have reset your breakers, wait at least 20 minutes before turning on your thermostat for your HVAC system. This will give the internal breakers time to reset and will prevent your HVAC system from accidentally kicking on when you turn the thermostat on.
During a power outage, you should also unplug any appliances that are not essential to your household. This will help minimize the damage caused by power surges, which are common as crews work to restore the grid. By unplugging devices such as televisions, computers, and digital gadgets, you can protect them from potential damage that could otherwise have been costly to repair or replace.
For businesses, a power outage can be particularly damaging, as it will keep customers and employees from being able to shop or visit the business. In addition, a lack of power can prevent workers from being able to complete their daily tasks or respond to email inquiries in a timely manner. To avoid these types of problems, businesses should have a plan in place for dealing with a power outage that includes checking and resetting all essential systems like HVAC units, fire alarms, and GFIs.
If you have any questions about your HVAC system or how to prepare for a power outage, contact Brothers Supply Corporation. We are fully licensed and insured and adhere to stringent safety requirements, so you can feel confident that your home or business will be well-maintained and safe while we work on any necessary repairs.
Blue Flame
A natural gas furnace that is in good working condition should have a roaring blue flame with a lighter shade of blue at the center forming what looks like a triangle. The bluish color indicates that the fuel is being burned efficiently, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing carbon monoxide production. If the flame is a different color or flickers, it’s time to call an HVAC replacement services technician.
A blue flame is the result of a hotter combustion temperature that causes the hydrocarbon molecules to ionize and turn into a vapor state, causing it to glow blue. Other fuels, such as wood, candle wax, hydrogen (red), gasoline, diesel, kerosene and coal, burn with a yellow or orange flame. The difference in flame colors is due to different fuel composition, burning temperatures and other chemical compounds that may be present in the fuel.
The purity of a natural gas supply also influences flame color. Impurities in the gas will cause it to change from blue to yellow or orange. The best way to avoid this is by hiring a certified hvac repair technician to inspect and service your unit regularly.
Any other flame color is a warning sign that the furnace’s fuel is not being completely burned. Incomplete combustion results in a high level of carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless and can poison people if inhaled over long periods of time. It will also waste fuel, increase energy bills and produce more soot and carbon dioxide than a properly functioning system.
The simplest way to keep the flame in your furnace burning blue is to make sure that you clean and replace the filter on a regular basis. This will ensure that air is flowing at a consistent rate and prevent clogs. A dirty filter can also lead to excessive moisture in the home, which can be costly to correct and can cause mold, electrical and structural damage. An additional step that you can take to help keep the furnace in good working order is by installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house.