5 Things to Ensure Your HVAC Is in Peak Shape

by Kevin Smith Author

There are few things more frustrating than having your heating and cooling system fail. It often seems to have the most problems right about the time you need it the most – before a heat spell or cold snap. If you have a HVAC in Tacoma, you must make sure it is maintained properly to ensure you have that heating and cooling system when you need it; here are some maintenance tips for doing just that.

Have a System Checkup Twice a Year

Having your heating and cooling professional do an inspection and preventative maintenance in the Spring and Fall will ensure your system will work during the really hot and cold months. This type of inspection also lets your system technician get a sense of the type of system you have as well as likely areas of trouble in the future.

Keep Your Unit Free of Debris and Plants

This is really simple and it is surprising how many folks neglect it. Debris and plant life block the unit from pulling in fresh air from all sides, which makes your system work harder. You need to have at least a foot of clearance all around your unit at all times. You should also periodically hose your unit down to clear away any accumulated debris in the form of dirt, spider webs, etc.

Check Your Flame

The flame in your furnace should have very precise edges and be a crisp blue. A wavering or erratic flame as well as one that is yellow or orange could be an indicator of a larger problem. If you see either, call your technician.

Change Those Filters

On a regular basis, depending on how many animals you have living in your house, you should change your air filter on your unit. Accumulated dirt, debris and fur can block air flow and affect your unit’s efficiency as well as make it work harder.

Measure Your Room Temperature against Your Thermostat

Thermostats can be affected by odd air flow, a warm wall or just wear and tear over time. That can make your heating and cooling units work harder than necessary or not produce enough heated or cooled air.

Why do all this work? Simple.

The more you keep your heating and cooling systems maintained and in good order, the greater the chance it will be there when you need it. If you are running an HVAC in Tacoma, with our weather fluctuations, making sure your systems can perform how you want, when you want is key to ensuring your comfort all year long.