Is your HVAC system giving you trouble even after pre-winter preparation? Does it shut down automatically after a while? Are your utility bills higher than you want? If so, then perhaps it’s time you considered getting a maintenance check for your HVAC system. Only through proper maintenance will you be able to save money on repairs and keep your HVAC system working at its full potential during the winter. But, how can you maintain your HVAC system in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley during the winter months? Well, let’s take a look these top five tips and find out:
1. Examine Your HVAC Unit
While HVAC systems are incredibly reliable, they do tend to give trouble from time to time, especially during the winters. Many homeowners often report that their HVAC system has a blown a fuse. This usually happens when the unit’s motor or compressor is overheating. So, start by locating the service panel and then examine the HVAC unit for any blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
Before doing anything, make sure to turn off all power before performing any maintenance and don’t forget to wait for the blower to stop. If you do notice a broken, burnt or blown fuse, have it replaced immediately by a professional. This might solve the problem of your HVAC system shutting off automatically due to overheating of the compressor or motor.
2. Time for a Little Cleaning
HVAC systems produce heat by blowing air across a heated coil and them distributing it throughout the house via air ducts. While the design of these heating systems is efficient, they do have a major vulnerability: dust and other contaminants settle around the heating coil. Remember, your HVAC system is under added strain during even the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley winters and with the additional dust and debris, it may not be able to run as efficiently as possible. Therefore, if you notice a rise in your utility bills during the winter, get ready for condenser and heating coil cleaning.
3. Run a Sound Check
During the winter, HVAC systems often emit a weird banging or rattling sound. This is usually an indication of the compressor malfunctioning or a broken fan shaft. So, if you notice any kind of weird sound that shouldn’t be coming from your HVAC system, switch it off immediately and have it checked by a technician. Usually, this is an indication the compressor or fan needs to be replaced, which the HVAC professional will do for you.
4. Assess the Room Temperature
With good maintenance comes great responsibility. This means you cannot just keep your HVAC system running at full power during the winter. Take a look at the thermostat’s temperature while the unit is on and then set it accordingly to ensure you save on heating bills and avoid costly repairs on damaged motors and compressors caused by overheating.
5. Dirty Filters = Lower Efficiency
If you haven’t already replaced your air filters, perhaps it’s time. While replacing air filters is a part of pre-winter preparation, they do tend to get dirty quicker during the winter. And this may cause your system to work harder, thus reducing its efficiency.
So, now that you are familiar with these tips, keeping your HVAC system running efficiently in your LA or San Fernando Valley home won’t be a problem.