Your HVAC system works during most times of the year. In the Decatur, AL area, your HVAC system provides much-needed air conditioning during the summer, and then heat during the cooler winter months.
There is good news when it comes to making sure your system is healthy and as energy efficient as possible. There are a few checks that you can do (and possibly address) yourself to keep your system running properly. Catching and addressing dirty components can prevent expensive repairs later.
Start Simple. When you call in your HVAC company to inspect your system each fall, there’s a good reason they turn on the thermostat. Your thermostat can alert you to problems with your system before summer or winter arrives.
Try out both your heat and AC settings. Turn on your unit, and make sure you’re able to reach both designated temperatures, and more importantly, that your system turns off when the desired temperature is reached. It’s also important to ensure your home reaches the right temperature. Failure to do so can indicate possible duct leaks, or air leaks in your home. Temps that are slow to change might indicate dirty filters or a clogged system.
Don’t forget to check your battery level for your thermostat and change the batteries if necessary.
Check For Dust, Dirt, or Obstructions. Be sure to check your furnace filter next and change it if it appears to be clogged with pet hair, dust, or other debris.
The spring season is a great time to check your outdoor air conditioning unit. If you have a standard split HVAC system and not a heat pump, you’ll have one on a concrete slab outdoors. Because these can be expensive to replace, inspecting this part of your system is a must.
Be sure to turn off both the indoor and outdoor units before you begin.
Clearing obstructions such as weeds will help air flow in the summer, so mow and clear weeds around the unit frequently. The fan cage (on the outside of the unit) is also easy to check for buildup such as leaves, and to clean. This component can also be removed to check the fins, which can also collect debris.
One last check is to ensure the unit is level, to ensure the proper flow of refrigerant.
And Now for the Indoor Unit. All types of HVAC systems have indoor units, and some types have only an indoor unit (such as a heat pump.) Keep the power off and open the door to your unit.
Check for puddles on the floor around the unit, soot (in gas-powered furnaces) and dirt, and of course, check for signs of mold. A clogged evaporator coil can freeze or collect mold as you use your AC, and you can typically check this via an access panel. An evaporator drain that’s dirty can present the same problems, especially during hot, humid weather when it collects the most moisture. These components can be cleaned with a special cleaner, or you can call in the pros if you aren’t comfortable doing this job.
Find Problems? Reach Out Today. Southeastern Mechanical Services in Decatur, Alabama, is here to address any thermostat, furnace, AC, or heat pump issues before they get out of control and leave you uncomfortable. Contact us today to get started.
