From improving our indoor air quality to keeping members of our household nice and cozy in the middle of the cold season – it is no question homeowners rely heavily on their HVAC systems.
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you had to go without a working HVAC system in your home? Working with the wrong company and believing the wrong HVAC troubleshooting tips and advice could certainly put you in that position!
In its most recent blog, Rusk Heating & Cooling shares some tips and advice to follow for HVAC troubleshooting and care. For all of your home’s heating and cooling system needs, don’t hesitate to contact Rusk today.
HVAC Troubleshooting Advice to Follow
1. Change the HVAC Filter Regularly
The lifespan of an HVAC filter varies greatly depending on the conditions in your home. The most common reasons we see filters needing to be replaced more frequently include:
- You have pets
- Someone smokes in your home
- Your home is generally dusty
There is no exact expiration date for any furnace filter, as the conditions in your home impact how long it will last. However, it’s a good idea to take a look at the filter each month to check its condition, and then decide if it should be replaced now.
2. Keep the Outside Unit Clean
One of the best ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and avoid the need for constant HVAC troubleshooting is to keep the outside unit clean. This helps assist with air flow and overall air conditioner health. This also includes cleaning dirty coils and checking the status of the blower motor.
If the outside unit becomes blocked with debris and other items, airflow is hindered through the system and the unit will not perform well. In fact, if a significant blockage occurs, your system may stop working completely. To avoid this, clean the outdoor unit on a regular basis.
3. Avoid Vent Obstructions
It’s important to keep all vents open so that your home’s HVAC system can do its job. Blocking and shutting vents not only stops the flow of conditioned air, but it can also cause damage to your heating system or air conditioning system.
Air backs up in the ducts which can cause leaks and inefficiency. Trapping too much heat here can cause parts to overheat. Make time to walk around rooms and clear away any items covering vents. Not only will this help your system run more efficiently, but it will also help keep your energy bills down!
4. Plan Ahead for HVAC System Upgrades
When it’s time for a new HVAC system, don’t wait until the last minute. If your old system is on its last legs, you’ll end up in a situation where you have no heating or cooling at all, and no amount of HVAC troubleshooting can save you. Breakdowns are more common as systems age and costs go up, too. Check on things like your home’s circuit breaker to ensure it is also working properly.
HVAC Troubleshooting: What to Avoid
1. Subjecting Your Thermostat to Heat
This can happen if your thermostat is in the path of direct sunlight or it’s surrounded by heat-producing electronics. Things like televisions, stereo systems, or larger appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, or oven can all contribute to inaccurate temperature readings. When your thermostat reads inaccurate temperatures, it will try to tell your heating and cooling system to either raise or lower the temperature, depending on what it’s reading and the temperature that you’ve set. This can cause inconsistent and inaccurate temperatures throughout your home.
2. Choosing the Wrong Filter
This goes for both super-efficient models as well as the cheapest option on the shelf. Cheap, flimsy air filters can lead to poor indoor air quality, while a very efficient model could produce too much drag for your system or lead to a clogged air filter.
For best performance, it’s vital to match the filter to the type and size of the system you have. If you’re unsure what the best filter for your specific system is, a professional at Rusk can help. Schedule an appointment with us today.
3. Forgoing Regular HVAC Maintenance
You wouldn’t go years without getting the oil changed in your car, right? Well, the same theory goes for your HVAC system. Regular maintenance is imperative if you want to keep your system running at peak performance and avoid costly repairs.
4. Refusing to Replace Your System
Unfortunately, HVAC systems don’t last forever. As a general rule of thumb, they’ll last you about 15-20 years. Keeping your system beyond those 15-20 years is a gamble, as its quality can quickly deteriorate or the system can break down altogether out of the blue. At the first sign of any HVAC problems or when your system is in that age range, call a professional to have the system inspected to determine the best course of action.
Contact Rusk Heating & Cooling for HVAC Services
When was the last time you had your system serviced? If it’s been over a year, you’re likely due for HVAC service.
For superior heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair, or installation services in the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati areas, get in contact with the experts at Rusk Heating &