When it comes to keeping your home or office at the right temperature, a Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) unit can be a significant investment not only as a once off but also in terms of maintenance, so knowing what to look out for is important. Proper maintenance and needed HVAC repair is important because it can ensure that the HVAC unit lasts between 12 and 15 years on average. Understanding the common issues that may plague indoor air conditioners and other HVAC systems can ensure that needed maintenance and repair is done before the issue becomes more serious.
Some of the issues that may require heating and air conditioning repair or service include:
- A higher load than the system was designed for: If you are trying to heat or cool a space that is larger than the system can handle, it can cause stress on the machine. Having too many people in a house or using too many appliances that cause the home to heat up can cause this.
- A refrigerant leak: Refrigerants are liquids that are used to cool the air and if your HVAC unit is leaking refrigerant it will need to be repaired. Too little refrigerant impacts on the ability of the system to do its job and cool the air.
- Air flow is reduced: Heating and air conditioning units require a certain amount of air flow over the coils in the unit. When this is reduced, it makes the system less efficient. It can also damage the compressor inside and mean that you have to opt for HVAC repair.
In addition to watching out for these issues, there are simple things you can do to ensure that your HVAC unit works efficiently and well, such as changing the air filter at least once every three months. This is a job you can do yourself. More complex maintenance or HVAC repair, such as adjusting air flow, though, should be left to the professionals.
If you are worried about energy costs, invest in a programmable thermostat which can save you up to $180 a year. Make sure that you have your unit professionally fitted when you first buy it as an improper installation can bump your energy costs up by as much as 30%. You can also cut costs by 10 to 12% by checking that your attic ventilation is up to scratch. By following these simple guidelines you can ensure that your HVAC remains in good working order and operates efficiently, too.