article

Keeping Your Heating and Cooling Systems (HVAC) Running Great

By Bluehammer Admin

Having your HVAC system checked yearly by a professional is good practice. You can also perform regular maintenance to help keep your heating and cooling system running its best.

Professional maintenance

Having a professional come inspect and perform maintenance on your heating and cooling system should at least be done once a year. Your service professional has the expertise to service parts of the unit that require a better understanding and training to ensure the unit is working its most efficient. Some common services performed are:

  • Check refrigerant level, adding more refrigerant if necessary
  • Inspect for any electrical issues with the wiring or control panels
  • Add lubricant to moving parts such as the fan and motor
  • If applicable, replace any worn parts such as fan belts
  • Check for any gas leaks in gas units
  • Run the system and measure the temperature to ensure correct performance

Maintenance the homeowner can perform

Aside from having a professional service inspection, homeowners can also take steps to maintain their HVAC system.

  • Change your air filterIf your air filters are dirty, your system needs to run harder to effectively heat or cool your home. Change your air filter once every 3 months.
  • Clear debris from your outdoor units.Leaves, dirt and grass can all accumulate inside your unit, having an adverse effect on it's life span. Keeping the area clean around your heating or cooling unit will help ensure that excess debris does not enter the unit.
  • Make sure nothing is blocking the air flowOutdoor patio items and trash cans should be kept away from blocking the air flow of your HVAC unit. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 2.5 feet of cleared area around the 3 sides your unit not closest to your wall.
  • Visually inspect your systemTake a look at all your lines entering your house to check for damaged insulation. Damage to insulation leads to heating or cooling loss which results in the system working harder.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Lawn Care For The Fall: Essential Tips to Follow

All summer you've been watering, cutting, trimming and feeding your yard in the hopes of having the greenest plot of land in the neighborhood. So what should you do to get your lawn in shape for the cool breezes of autumn? These six steps will help you get a head start on the colder weather.

Clever Tips To Make Painting Your Home Easier

Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform a space. But it can also be a hassle, what with all that taping and prepping and cleaning up. These clever tips can make it easier. Fun, even. (That might be a stretch.)

Home Insurance 101: The Fundamentals of Home Quality

Buying a home represents one of the biggest purchases that an individual can make in his or her lifetime. As such, the decision should not be taken lightly, and you'll want to review many factors as you search for your dream residence.

6 Smart Updates To Make To Your Bathroom

The idea of renovating your bathroom can be overwhelming, but you don't have to knock down walls or gut the whole thing to make it feel new again. Making smart updates can get you closer to the look you want without the big budget, or the big hassle.

Using the Homeowners Insurance Report to Gauge Your Insurance Coverage

When it comes to knowing how much homeowners insurance you need, running the Bluebook Homeowners Insurance report gives you insight into the potential costs to rebuild your home and the value of your home contents.

Tips For Creating A Luxe Bedroom

Creating a relaxing, romantic retreat of a bedroom is the goal, but it's not as easy as just loading the furniture in and making the bed. Many people find that even with beautiful pieces and great space, their bedroom is still lacking that something special. A few tips and the right mix can make you feel more serene, help you sleep better, and even make you feel more amorous in your private sanctuary.

7 Rules for Choosing The Right Area Rug

You just moved into your new home. You've purchased the perfect furniture and accessories. You even found the perfect area rug to add to your hardwood floors, but you're totally stumped on which size to buy.

Exterminating Pests: A Guide to Family-Friendly IPM Pest Warfare

Your home is a safe haven for your family, a harbor from the rough waters of life, an abode full of treasured memories and love. But sometimes it can become a home for uninvited guests of the six-legged variety. When this occurs, it's time to take action. Addressing and preventing pest infestations keeps your family healthy and staves off potential damages to your home. Here are the steps necessary to take before and after noticing signs of pests in your home.

Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Your home is your place to rest, play, and spend time with your family. It should be a place of comfort, and this comfort need not come at a high cost. Many homes, however, waste a lot of energy in ways that can be prevented. Here are five ways to make your home more energy-efficient.

How To Renew Your Deck In 5 Easy Steps

Summer is here, which means you need to take a hard look at your deck. Given winter's inclement conditions, there's a good chance your deck is in need of some attention. Here are some quick and easy steps for getting it in shape:

See More Articles