The Importance of Understanding Your HVAC System

With the start of school right around the corner, it’s important to pursue an education at any age. One place you should brush up on is your home’s heating and cooling system. Not only does it keep you comfortable in your home, but also it could be affecting your health as well.

So in this article, we’re going to school for your HVAC system. Understanding the very thing that cools and heats your home is very important so you’ll learn about the basics of your HVAC system, how to maintain it, and when it might be time to repair or replace it.

How Does Your System Work?

hvacsystemDepending on the type of HVAC system you have in your home, your temperature is affected in a few different ways. For most homeowners, you should be dealing with a central HVAC system.

These units have plenty of moving parts, including the air handler which distributes air throughout your home, the evaporator coils that cool the air, and the filtration system that keeps your air quality comfortable.

Different types of HVAC systems have different components, but it’s important to understand what is the brain behind every single one of their operations: the thermostat. The thermostat will act accordingly to whatever temperature you set it to.

Most thermostats use a bimetallic element that expands and contracts as the temperature changes within your home. Older thermostats have two exposed bimetallic contacts that bend to make contact as the temperature changes in your home, where modern thermostats are unexposed and uncoil as the temperature changes.

The Importance of Ongoing Maintenance

hvacsystemmaintenanceAs the weather changes it is important to know how to maintain your HVAC system in the freezing winter or the blistering heat of summertime. First things first, you always want to make sure your outside AC units are clear of any debris like branches, grass or dirt.

Always have enough space surrounding the AC unit so repairmen have easy access. Change your air filters. Not changing air filters can lead to HVAC damage which will lead to a possibly costly repair and depletion of air quality inside your home.

Make sure to change the air filter every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure your HVAC and the air in your home is protected by unwanted debris. As the weather changes it is important to have a professional inspect your HVAC system in depth twice a year.

They can check for any compromises you may not be able to identify. What you can do is check your ducts for any leaks, cracks or holes. If you find any contact a reliable HVAC repairman.

Other Signs You May Need An HVAC Repair

When your AC is not working properly it could mean higher utilities bills, mold or even cause a fire. It’s important to notice warning signs that your air system is in need of repairs, such as:

  • hvacrepairAre loud sounds coming from your unit? Hearing banging or clunking means some components may not working properly.
  • Is air temperature difficult to keep at the desired temperature? This could mean that your HVAC system may not be the proper size for your home an may need replacement.
  • How old is your system? Systems over 10 years start lacking energy efficiency, which causes your electricity bills to be high.

If you see any cracks or holes, hear banging or grinding, have poor air quality, or believe you’ve had faulty work done call Blaze Air and make sure your HVAC system is running top-notch by the most reliable company in North Carolina.