A homeowner in Evansville, Indiana, should feel not only comfortable and relaxed in their house but optimally safe. One of the most prominent systems responsible for this is the HVACR, for which residents need to perform routine care and upkeep. Also essential in that same vein is employing professional repair experts to handle preventative maintenance to ensure peak functionality.
The weather in Indiana is about to become chilly. Heating typically goes on sometime in October and remains on until roughly April. Without annual servicing from a trusted expert (visit here for a leader in the industry), it could prove challenging to get through that length of time without seeing defects or even the possibility of a malfunction.
Caring For The HVAC System In Your Evansville, Indiana Home
In many households, not just in Indiana but throughout the country, homeowners attempt to DIY as much maintenance as possible to save costly repairs. That is not the best idea for the HVACR system since this is a complex unit that requires a particular set of skills, knowledge, and a level of expertise to maneuver the intricacies involved.
Generally, there will be central heating or a furnace with the system along with central air, vents, ductwork, refrigerant lines, plus other types of temperature-regulating components.
The need for these to be inspected, cleaned, and maintained at least annually is critical for the optimum functionality of the unit and the ultimate lifespan. Go here for fall and winter heating and cooling tips. Things that need taking care of regularly:
Test The System When You Have Not Used It For A While
If you are in a time when you do not need the system or in a location where temperatures do not require it a few months at a time in the spring and fall, that is not a reason to neglect the upkeep. These are the ideal times for servicing when you do not need the service. Then when the extreme temperatures come along, you are prepared.
As the homeowner, you can do the basic testing of the thermostat to ensure it activates the air conditioning and heating as it should, allowing it to reach a set temperature. Check it against a thermometer to see if there is a discrepancy in case the thermostat needs adjusting.
Avoid Debris With The Air Conditioning Unit
Once it is getting close to the fall season, it is essential to keep falling leaves and other debris from collecting in the air conditioning unit. Any garden center or hardware store will offer covers for the system, or DIY enthusiasts can make one use of drop cloths or trash bags.
Until you have a cover, it is essential to pay attention to the unit to ensure you keep the debris from collecting since much of this can make its way into the HVACR system through the outside vents.
Clear the debris away as quickly as it lands. Preventative measures will help you avoid these maintenance duties. It is better to avoid planting trees or shrubs near the unit. If they already exist, make sure to keep these well-pruned away from the equipment.
Give The HVACR A Break Occasionally
Experts suggest every so often to give the HVACR a break as a simple upkeep tip. In warmer months (not the sweltering heat), open the windows, turn on fans, wear lightweight clothing, and let the cooler breezes in, especially at night with the air conditioner off.
The same thing applies when it is beginning to get cooler closer to the winter season. Wear heavier clothing, secure the doors and window, open the drapes, and let the warm sunshine in during the day, and if you have a fireplace, use that instead of turning the heat on quite yet.
Programmable thermostats are advisable to manipulate the temperature so that the system only comes on when you’re home. Check around doors and windows and other areas where air might be finding its way in and resolve those issues with weatherstripping, caulk, or other solutions to avoid the system having to work so extensively.
Call In The Professionals
Annual maintenance is a preventative measure a professional HVACR repair technician handles to ensure all defects get repaired before they become significant problems. Plus, the experts can clean the inner workings, tune up the system, and maintain the unit.
In addition, professionals need to clean the ductwork and vents periodically, especially if you notice blockages, debris, dust, pests, or problems with feeling air passing. These help the system maintain its efficiency, allow you to have cleaner airflow, and provide an extended lifespan for the HVACR.
If you notice that your system is not acting as it should, always check the basics before making a service call to save some time and money. These would be the thermostat (especially batteries and making sure it’s on), air filter clogs or debris, circuit breaker tripped, or blown fuses.
When you make the call, be prepared to describe the problem in detail so the provider can come well prepared, saving time and effort in having to search down the issue.
Final Thought
Evansville, Indiana, residents have a long stretch of cool and cold weather heading their way. So it’s wise to go ahead and look into getting HVACR systems checked before it set in. That way, there will be no moments of sluggish operation or potential malfunction, just the cozy warmth of a well-functioning heating unit.
