Parts of Your HVAC System That Are Most Likely to Break Down and How to Prevent That

Your HVAC unit has several functions in your home: heating, air conditioning and ventilation. As the seasons change, different parts direct it to work in different ways to keep your home comfortable. Some components, however, may start acting up when you least expect it. Here are four components that are most likely to break down and how to prevent problems.

The Thermostat

The first component you need to keep an eye on is the thermostat. The thermostat is what ultimately controls how your HVAC works. However, a malfunctioning thermostat can cause the HVAC unit to run incessantly. This can cause the price of your utility bill to increase as well as reduce the life expectancy of the HVAC. Fortunately, there are some signs to watch for that point to a broken thermostat.

Your thermostat may reflect inaccurate temperature readings or may remain blank. You also might notice that the temperatures remain constant even when you set it to change or that the heater or AC doesn’t turn off even when the house has reached its desired temperature.

The best way to keep your thermostat in good condition is with preventative HVAC maintenance. If your thermostat isn't functioning at all, an experienced professional can easily replace it with a new one.

The Air Filter

You’d be amazed at how many problems can arise from something as simple as a dirty filter. Mild problems include reduced airflow while more severe issues can be along the lines of damaging the heat exchanger. The indoor air quality of your home may suffer if allergens aren't removed. You should always swap out filters within or after three months. This will increase or decrease depending on how many people live in your home and if you have any furry pets.

The Evaporator Coil

The cool air that flows through your home is thanks to the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is what soaks in all the heat from the air and works in tandem with another component called the condenser to produce cool air. When the evaporator coil is damaged in any way, you’ll notice pretty quickly.

Like the thermostat, there are various signs to look out for if there is an issue with the evaporator coil. The most noticeable sign is setting the thermostat to a low temperature and still getting hot air blowing through the vents.

The Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is the component responsible for transporting heat from location to location. If it malfunctions, you may start smelling strange odors, and dust may accumulate in your home. Keep in mind that if a faulty heat exchanger warrants immediate attention. Without repair or replacement, your HVAC can malfunction entirely.

The best way to prevent any of these issues is with regular preventative HVAC maintenance. When you get regular maintenance done, your HVAC professional will often be able to notice damaged parts before they actually start to affect the comfort of your home. These repairs will also be more affordable than they would be if you needed emergency repairs.

With proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your HVAC. Plan on seasonal maintenance, before and after the summer season to keep your system running all year long.

How to Make Sure Your AC Unit Is Ready for Spring and Summer

Air conditioning is a luxury everyone can appreciate in the warmer months. Make sure your AC unit is prepared for spring and summer so that you can enjoy a cool house despite the hot weather. However, the average person isn’t exactly an AC unit expert, and you do not want to learn by trial and error. It can be expensive to replace these units. However, air conditioning maintenance is not out of reach as long as you prepare. This article will cover three great ways to get the best performance possible from your AC unit.

Change the AC Unit’s Air Filters

Changing the air filters to your AC unit is an essential step to ensure that it is running optimally. While some people may find this easy, this process depends on every individual’s unit. It is recommended that you change your AC unit’s air filters every two to three months, but most people don’t follow this rule. If you have not changed your unit’s air filter in a while, then spring is a great season to start because they have gotten clogged with plenty of dust in the winter. These hotter spring and summer months mean that the cooling component does a lot of work. Because of this, it needs a clean air filter to work optimally.

Clean the AC’s Unit’s Supply Vents and Registers

The process of cleaning supply vents and registers also varies depending on each residence. If you have a zoned system and covered, unused AC vents in the colder seasons, you can get rid of them for the spring and summer months. You can manually clean the supply vents and registers to get rid of debris. If your situation is dire, it might be time to consider a professional duct cleaning. However, most of the time, it is something you can easily handle with the rest of your spring cleaning. Air conditioning maintenance should be a priority during these cleaning sprees so that your house remains cool.

Get Rid of Condenser Covers

In extreme winter climates, many residents cover their outdoor AC unit. Covering your outdoor AC is a clever move in the winter to prevent damage from the cold weather. However, when you start switching to AC in the spring and summer, make sure to remove any objects you used to cover the AC unit. If you do not remove the cover, you could permanently damage your unit. It’s also a great idea to check over the machine for any damage to the equipment. Finally, clean up the area around your AC unit and free it of debris because it will limit the condenser coil’s ability to transfer heat efficiently.

Air conditioning maintenance isn’t always straightforward. However, if you remember these simple tasks, your AC unit will last for much longer and deliver a better performance. If you are ever confused, the best thing to do is check the instruction manual for your specific machine.

In-Home Additions That Add Value And Entertainment

There are times that eventually, the house you are living in will need some upgrades. However, to get value for money, it's essential to pick suitable projects to work on, especially if there is a budget to consider. When making the renovations and additions in the home, consider the entertainment aspect and how it will change how the house functions. In this case, here are five in-home additions that add value and entertainment.

Landscape lighting

Everyone wants to be outdoors and soak into the sun during the summer and still enjoy a barbeque with family as night approaches. Adding inexpensive deck lighting will ensure that the lighting needs are satisfactory. It goes a long way to create a welcoming space that is also safe.

Kitchen lighting

The kitchen is the most crucial room in most houses. It's the only place with everyone where all age groups congregate and laugh while cooking a warm hearty meal. Go all out and upgrade kitchen lighting, ensuring no dark corners. However, you can customize it to fit your home's needs, making it a genuinely inviting room.

Home Entertainment

Investing in a new home theater or entertainment system will significantly increase the house's value if you eventually whether you ever sell it or not. There is wonderful equipment available today that can practically make your own home a theater to enjoy with family and friends. A reputable A/V company should do the installation to get it right, as it increases the property's value, it should not be done nonchalantly. It makes the living space within the home more enjoyable to socialize and even play games, especially during winter.

Paint

The painting on the wall can make a home inviting or seemingly cold. With the price of paint relatively low, create a color scheme that matches the home's design and adds a little color to your life. With the perfect scheme for the home, you can even get away with using the walls as the ideal background for photo shoots without having to break the bank for professional locations.

Garage Door replacement

Replacing your garage door is all about curb appeal. However, with newer garage models comes safer spaces behind the doors. The area can be a gaming or home theater room for all occupants in the house. Finding a garage door does take some research nonetheless. It may be beneficial to contact your contractor who built the home or to check the reviews given on local companies. 

Is Your Kitchen Out of Date? Services to Hire for Bringing It Back to Life

If you live in an older home, your kitchen is likely out of date. It can get in the way of fully enjoying your space and making all the meals you’d like. Fortunately, there are many ways to bring an old kitchen back to life. This article will explore a few suggestions for updating your kitchen. 

Painting or Repainting Cabinets

If your cabinets aren't too old or falling apart, one of the more cost-effective ways to bring them back to life is using paint and primer. Cabinet doors are easily removed (usually with a screwdriver). Latex paint tends to be more user-friendly as it is easier to clean up. It also dries much more quickly than oil-based paint. If the cabinets need to be sanded or stripped before they can be repainted, keep in mind that this is a time-intensive process that requires a level of skill. Consider hiring a service to do this if your budget allows. Changing the handles, hinges, and other hardware also helps give cabinets a new fresh look.

Cabinet Refacing

Refacing cabinets is a very effective way to renew and refresh your kitchen design. But unlike painting, this process will require the skills of an experienced professional. Cabinet refacing involves either stripping or sanding the cabinet surface, and applying a new surface, commonly called a veneer, to the freshly prepared surface. In cases where the original surface remains in good condition, the new veneer can be applied directly over the existing surface.

Additionally, drawer faces and door faces are removed and replaced as well. And as with painting, hardware can be (and generally is) changed and updated. The homeowner chooses which veneer works best with his or her tastes, and with the layout of the kitchen. Once the job is completed, the cabinets appear to look new again. This option is more expensive than repainting the cabinets, so proper research, and consultation with professionals is necessary to ensure cabinet refacing fits into the budget.

Appliance Replacement

If your kitchen is out of date, it’s likely that your appliances are as well. Because of this you might want to consider replacing them. If this isn’t in your budget, then repairs can make a difference too. Washer and dryer repair services can also handle kitchen appliances. You can schedule them to inspect your appliances and make any upgrades that will improve their functionality. 

These are just a few of the ways you can improve your outdated kitchen. Schedule a meeting with a contractor or interior designer for more ideas.