Most of today’s heating and air conditioning systems are repair-friendly, but that doesn’t make it any less inconvenient if they break down, especially in the middle of the summer or winter seasons. In today’s post, Air Quality Heating & Air Conditioning discusses how to avoid emergency HVAC repairs.
Change your air filter. The air filter in your HVAC system helps maintain good indoor air quality as it catches dust, spores and other indoor air pollutants. Air filters typically get clogged every three months (or as quickly as a month during the summer and winter seasons, when the system runs more often) and will need to be replaced as soon as this happens. Clogged air filters can block airflow and increase your HVAC system’s workload, which can in turn increase the risks of a breakdown. Most types of replacement air filters are designed to be user-replaceable, which means you should be able to purchase and install a new one without the aid of an HVAC professional.
Keep the outdoor unit clean. A typical air conditioner has an outdoor unit that houses the condenser. The outside of the enclosure is lined with cooling fins and exhaust vents that can get clogged with dust. In addition, leaves, needles and other kinds of debris may find their way through these vents and block them, which can result in warm air getting trapped inside the unit. While there are numerous videos posted online on how to clean an outdoor HVAC unit, consult your HVAC technician first, as improper cleaning may result in damage to the unit and a voided warranty.
Don’t turn off your HVAC system. It sounds counterintuitive, but turning off your HVAC system daily actually puts more strain on the system and also causes it to consume more energy. Every time an HVAC system is turned on, it has to run at full capacity for a longer period of time because it has to heat or cool the entire house. This, plus the fact that turning it on also causes a small surge of energy, can increase energy consumption. You should instead keep the HVAC system running and use a programmable thermostat to automatically increase or decrease its output at specific times of the day.
Call Air Quality Heating & Air Conditioning for All Your HVAC Needs
Air Quality Heating & Air Conditioning is your leading provider of HVAC services and a Factory-Authorized Dealer of Carrier heating and cooling systems. Give us a call at (408) 662-1533 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in San Jose and the surrounding communities.