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Essential Steps for a Complete and Effective HVAC Maintenance Check-up

Having an HVAC system in your home makes a significant impact on your daily living comfort. However, keeping your HVAC system in top condition takes more than just routine cleaning. Well-maintained HVAC systems prolong the lifespan of your equipment, reduce energy consumption, and keep your living space healthy. Performing regular check-ups for your HVAC system is vital, so let's dive into the essential steps for a complete and effective maintenance check-up.

Having an HVAC system in your home makes a significant impact on your daily living comfort. However, keeping your HVAC system in top condition takes more than just routine cleaning. Well-maintained HVAC systems prolong the lifespan of your equipment, reduce energy consumption, and keep your living space healthy. Performing regular check-ups for your HVAC system is vital, so let's dive into the essential steps for a complete and effective maintenance check-up.

Change Your Air Filters

Homeowners should replace the filters in their HVAC system, as this is one of the most basic yet essential forms of maintenance. A dirty filter can cause the system to run harder, increasing energy consumption and even damaging your equipment, decreasing the lifespan of your HVAC system. So, change your air filters regularly. It is best to replace your filters every 30-90 days, depending on the filter's type and the volume of usage your HVAC system handles.

Inspect Your Outdoor Unit

Your indoor unit's health is one of many maintenance tasks you need to perform. Maintaining the outdoor unit of your HVAC system is also essential. Debris, like leaves and dirt, can accumulate around this unit, reducing the airflow necessary for your system's operation. Hence, it is vital to inspect the outdoor unit regularly and remove any debris caught.

Check Your HVAC Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential part of your home's comfort and plays a critical role in regulating your HVAC system.  Malfunctioning or incorrect placement of your thermostat can cause a waste of energy, increase utility bills, and even lead to an unhealthy living space. Therefore, conduct routine checks on your thermostat to ensure it is clean, functional, and correctly calibrated.

Schedule a Professional Check-up

DIY HVAC maintenance is great, but calling in a professional HVAC contractor, like Long Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., ensures greater efficiency and effectiveness. A professional will be familiar with complex HVAC systems and have the right tools to detect and solve possible issues that homeowners may not be able to detect. So, call in licensed professionals for a check-up, and they can help maintain your HVAC system in top condition.

Regular Duct Cleaning

Your HVAC system ducts play an essential role in the condition of your living space. As these ducts circulate air circulation throughout your home, they can quickly accumulate dirt and debris. This dirt buildup can lower air quality in your home and lead to unpleasant smells. Ensuring you have your ducts professionally cleaned once every two years is recommended.

Homeowners who invest in HVAC systems also need to invest in maintaining them. By performing regular check-ups and following these essential steps, you can prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system, reduce utility bills, and keep your living space healthy. Remember, the comfort of your home pays off in the long run. So, take action and take a little time every quarter to ensure your HVAC system is functioning optimally. If you find anything that's difficult to handle, feel free to call a licensed HVAC contractor to help solve the issue.

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

Essential Steps To Ensure a Smooth Home Setup for Air Conditioning

Spring is coming up, which is the season everyone loves, but excessive warmth frequently makes it challenging to exist. A good air conditioning system is a must for homeowners to keep themselves and their family members comfortable. Having an air conditioning system at home can make your living space more comfortable and will help in maintaining peace of mind. If you want to make sure that your home has a proper air conditioning setup, follow a few essential steps. In this blog, we'll discuss some important steps that can help you ensure a smooth home setup for air conditioning.

Spring is coming up, which is the season everyone loves, but excessive warmth frequently makes it challenging to exist. A good air conditioning system is a must for homeowners to keep themselves and their family members comfortable. Having an air conditioning system at home can make your living space more comfortable and will help in maintaining peace of mind. If you want to make sure that your home has a proper air conditioning setup, follow a few essential steps. In this blog, we'll discuss some important steps that can help you ensure a smooth home setup for air conditioning.

Plan the Installation Location

The first step towards ensuring that your home has a proper air conditioning setup is choosing the right spot for air conditioner installation. An adequate location or suitable position for installing the air conditioning unit can lead to poor performance and additional costs to fix the issues created by poor installation. Always choose a location that has the right amount of airflow, is away from obstructions, and is free from dust or debris. Make sure the unit is not placed in direct sunlight to ensure its longevity and performance.

Consider the Size of the Air Conditioning Unit

Another critical aspect that needs to be considered is the size of the air conditioning unit needed to cool your living space. The size of the unit depends on the size of your home. If the unit is too small, it will have to work hard and may eventually cause more problems or difficulties during warmer months. Conversely, a big unit will use more energy, which may lead to more bills and consume more resources. Make sure you choose the right size of the unit.

Get the Right Air Duct Installed

During the installation process, ensure that your air duct is installed correctly. Improper installation or damaged ducts can lead to the air leaking out of its intended service areas, reducing the overall effectiveness of your air conditioning system. This could also result in poor air distribution, meaning certain areas in your home lack proper cooling. Ensure the air duct is assembled correctly, sealed, and insulated to guarantee effective cooling throughout your home.

Ensure Proper Maintenance of the Air Conditioning Unit

A timely and proper maintenance inspection of your air conditioning unit will help prepare your air conditioning system for optimum performance during the warmer season. This includes cleaning the filters and coils, evaluating wiring and electrical connections, examining refrigerant levels, and ensuring there are no obstructions near the unit. Proper maintenance is significant for any electronic machine. By following regular maintenance checks, one improves the performance and efficiency of the air conditioning unit, reducing the chances of costly damages.

Opt for a Professional Installation and Seek Appropriate Certification

To ensure a proper air conditioning installation at your home, opting for a professional service is always better. House owners who try to install an air conditioning unit on their own may end up damaging various parts, which could lead to costlier repairs down the road. Only trained professionals with proper certification can ensure that the installation is done safely and correctly. Make sure the professional company has certification from a trusted authority, as it demonstrates their expertise.

In conclusion, the above-discussed essential steps will help you ensure a smooth home setup for air conditioning. Having an air conditioning unit at home can make a significant improvement to your home environment, elevating your quality of life by lowering and regulating home temperatures. With these essential tips for setup, you can ensure that your family can indulge in the comfort and freshness provided by your properly functioning air conditioning system. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to enjoy the warmer season comfortably!

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

Guest Post - 5 Important Things to Keep in Mind When Using Air Conditioning During Winter

Winter is already well underway and most of us rely on our traditional heating systems to keep us warm. However, the use of air conditioning during the colder months is also not uncommon. Before you crank up the heat, though, you should consider a few important points.

Winter is already well underway and most of us rely on our traditional heating systems to keep us warm. However, the use of air conditioning during the colder months is also not uncommon. Before you crank up the heat, though, you should consider a few important points. 

In this blog post, we'll explore five important things to keep in mind when using air conditioning in winter.

Check your AC specs

Not all air conditioners are created equal, and neither are winters. In areas with mild temperatures, your AC is usually a perfectly viable primary heating option. However, in locations with low average temperatures and frequent snowfall, using your air conditioner as the only means of heating is a recipe for disaster. 

Freezing conditions can lead to ice formation on the exterior unit, hampering its performance and possibly necessitating expensive repairs. While removing ice from your home is a key component of a winter home preparation, it can be tedious to do this all the time. 

Furthermore, some older AC models simply aren’t suited for the demands of winter heating and can easily get overloaded. Before turning on your air conditioner, check the owner's manual. 

Start using the "Heat Pump" function

If you have a newer model of air conditioner, you might have a useful new function called a heat pump. This thing is essentially quite simple–it draws the heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your space. It’s a reverse cooling process. 

The standout feature of this heat pump lies in its ability to provide a more energy-efficient heating solution for your space during winter, particularly when you're not facing extreme climate conditions. However, there's a caveat to consider. In many instances, heat pumps struggle to function efficiently below a specific temperature, typically around 40°F (4°C). 

Once the temperature drops below this threshold, the heat pump's efficiency decreases, and in some cases, it may even cease to operate entirely. So as long as the outdoor temperature is reasonable, you can rely on your heat pump and achieve toasty results. 

Don't push your AC too hard

While your AC might be able to provide supplementary warmth, remember that it's not a dedicated heating system. Setting your thermostat to scorching summer temperatures in the hopes of a quick heat blast is a recipe for disaster. 

Not only will this strain your AC and potentially shorten its lifespan, but it will also likely lead to skyrocketing energy bills. Instead, opt for moderate temperature settings, ideally within the 68-75°F (20-24°C) range. 

If you notice your AC is struggling to reach even these moderate temperatures, it's best to consider alternative heating sources or consult an air conditioning repair service to check for potential issues. Pros will check out the unit, get it working to its best abilities, and ensure your home is warm yet not stuffy. 

Mind the maintenance

Maintaining your air conditioner during the winter is just as important as doing it in the summer , especially if it's used for heating. Regular upkeep ensures optimal performance when transitioning to heating mode. The maintenance checklist is pretty much the same--replace or clean filters, inspect components, and address any issues as soon as possible. 

Proper maintenance not only improves the efficiency of your unit, but also contributes to a warmer and more comfortable indoor environment during the colder months. Don't underestimate the significance of winter maintenance to keep your AC heating system running smoothly when you need it most.

Weigh the options

Weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether to use your air conditioner for winter heating. Other types of heating appliances, such as space heaters or furnaces, may be more economical and efficient in certain circumstances. Conduct some research on your own or consult with an HVAC specialist. 

Ask them to assess your specific requirements, examine the energy profile of your house, and provide tailored recommendations for the most economical and cost-effective heating option. Therefore, before choosing your heating method, carefully consider your options, potential savings, and long-term maintenance costs.

Wrapping up

Using your air conditioner in winter can be a smart and sustainable approach to heating your home, but it requires some thought and preparation on your part. Consider these five tips, and you’ll ensure your AC performs its winter duty flawlessly while keeping your comfort levels and energy bills in check. 

So, before you banish your AC to the winter storage closet, consider giving it a chance to shine – as a source of warm winter comfort, of course!

By Mike Johnston

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips To Do Before Summer Hits

Summer is fast approaching, and the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to break down during a heat wave. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns and prolonging the lifespan of your unit. But don't worry; you don't need to be an HVAC expert to perform some basic maintenance tasks on your air conditioner. In this blog post, we'll cover some simple DIY air conditioner repair maintenance tips that you can do before summer hits to keep your unit running smoothly.

Summer is fast approaching, and the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to break down during a heat wave. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns and prolonging the lifespan of your unit. But don't worry; you don't need to be an HVAC expert to perform some basic maintenance tasks on your air conditioner. In this blog post, we'll cover some simple DIY air conditioner repair maintenance tips that you can do before summer hits to keep your unit running smoothly.

Change Your Air Filter

A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. This can lead to higher energy bills, decreased performance, and even a breakdown. To prevent this from happening, change your air filter every 1-3 months. The frequency of replacement will depend on factors such as the number of occupants, pets, and the level of air pollution in your area.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner is exposed to the elements and can accumulate dirt, leaves, and debris. This can reduce the efficiency of your unit and lead to damage over time. To clean it, turn off the power to your unit and remove any leaves or debris around it. Then, use a gentle stream of water to clean the fins on the unit's exterior. Make sure not to use a pressure washer, as this can damage the fins.

Check the Coolant Level

The coolant, also known as refrigerant, is the substance that cools the air in your air conditioner. If the level is higher, your system will be able to cool your home effectively. To check the coolant level, turn on your air conditioner and place a thermometer in the air duct closest to the unit. After 15 minutes, the temperature should be between 14-20 degrees cooler than the temperature of the air outside. If it's not, you may need to add more coolant. This is a job best left to a professional technician.

Inspect the Ductwork

Your air conditioner's ducts are responsible for distributing cool air throughout your home. If there are leaks in your ductwork, it can reduce the efficiency of your unit and lead to higher energy bills. Inspect your ductwork for leaks or cracks, and seal any gaps with duct tape or mastic sealant. In addition, make sure your ducts are insulated to prevent the loss of cool air.

Schedule a Professional Tune-up

Although there are many DIY maintenance tasks you can perform on your air conditioner, it's still important to schedule a professional tune-up before summer hits. A technician will thoroughly inspect your unit, clean the coils and blower components, lubricate moving parts, and check for any potential issues. This will help ensure that your unit is ready to keep you cool all summer long.

By following these simple DIY air conditioner maintenance tips, you can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep your unit running efficiently. However, if you encounter any issues or feel unsure about performing any of the tasks, feel free to contact a professional technician. With a little bit of maintenance and care, your air conditioner will be ready to keep you cool throughout the upcoming summer months.

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