For Reliable HVAC Performance, the Secret is Regular Maintenance

by Kevin Smith Author

Just because your heating and cooling systems are working fine at the moment, that doesn’t mean they will stay that way forever. In cities like Atlanta, where the summer heat and humidity can be extreme, your cooling system, in particular, can face months of stress. Experts say the best way to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter is to schedule regular maintenance for your systems before the hot or cold weather arrives.

Tune-Up

HVAC systems should have regularly scheduled maintenance at least once a year, but in areas with cold winters and hot summers, a twice-yearly checkup is highly recommended. Maintenance can be as simple as lubricating moving parts, checking for leaks and tightening electrical connections. Such items might seem minor, but they can lead to major problems if not dealt with properly.

Warning Signs

In between checkups, there are warning signs that can signal problems with your HVAC system. An expert firm in heating system installation in Villa Rica, Georgia, notes, for example, that when a furnace or boiler is constantly running or is making strange noises there is probably a problem. If the heating or cooling unit is leaking and your energy bills are suddenly much higher than normal that is also a clear sign that something is not right. It pays to heed such warnings because ignoring them can turn a relatively simple repair job into an entire HVAC system replacement, the firm says

Assessment

If you are unsure how well your system is working it is best to have an energy assessment. A home energy auditor can tell you how efficiently your unit is working by looking at how much energy it is using to keep your home at a particular temperature level. The auditor will look at things like insulation, sealing, vents, framing and the age of your system to determine if a repair or replacement is needed.

Air Quality

HVAC repair firms can also provide an air quality audit in your home to detect dust and mold that can lead to health problems. With homes now better-insulated air circulation can be a problem. Having air ducts cleaned before you start using your AC unit for the summer is a good way to keep dust, animal dander, and mold spores from circulating throughout your home. The experts in heating system installation in Villa Rica, Georgia note that poorly functioning HVAC systems combined with dirty air ducts can lead to a poor quality of air in your home.