Are you having trouble with your home’s HVAC system? Don’t sit in discomfort for a second longer. Make sure your house is at an optimum temperature this season by addressing any lingering HVAC issues as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will not only lead to increased discomfort now, but it could also lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Make sure you’re able to stay comfortable every season by taking care of your heating and cooling systems now.
Dirty Air Filters
We don’t often think about them, but air filters play a major role in the comfort and efficiency of our homes. Dirty air filters are one of the most common HVAC problems. They can reduce airflow, making your system work harder and consume more energy. But luckily, it’s easy to prevent this issue by simply replacing your air filters every one to three months, depending on usage. Let’s take an in-depth look at why air filters are so valuable to our homes.
What is an Air Filter?
An air filter is a device used to remove harmful particles from the air before they enter your home or office. It accomplishes this by trapping airborne particles and preventing them from passing through its fibers. The size of the particles that an air filter can trap depends on the type of filter and its MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). High-efficiency filters can reduce up to 95% of airborne particles like dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, bacteria, and pollen. This is incredibly important for people suffering from allergies or respiratory illnesses like asthma. It prevents them from coming into contact with these particles that could trigger an attack.
What Happens When You Don’t Change Your Air Filter?
Air filters should be changed regularly in order to maintain their effectiveness. If you don’t change your filter frequently enough—or worse yet, not at all—your HVAC system will have to work harder than usual to push air through it. This increased strain on the system leads to a decrease in efficiency which translates into higher energy bills for you. Additionally, neglecting your air filter can lead to dirt buildup, which increases wear and tear on other components of your HVAC system, such as the fan motor or compressor, resulting in costly repairs down the line. Last, dirty air filters can also reduce indoor air quality as they become less effective over time at removing airborne pollutants from the home environment.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of an air conditioning system, and it needs to be in good working order for your AC to cool properly. Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks are common in AC systems and can cause serious damage if not addressed quickly. If you notice any signs of a refrigerant leak—such as decreased cooling power or a hissing sound coming from the unit—it’s important to call an HVAC technician immediately so they can diagnose and repair the issue.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?
There are several potential causes of a refrigerant leak, but most often, they are caused by worn seals or punctures in the lines that carry refrigerant through the system. These issues can occur due to normal wear and tear over time, or they may be caused by improper maintenance or installation. It’s important to remember that refrigerant is hazardous if inhaled, so it’s best not to try and fix this issue yourself. Instead, call a professional HVAC technician who can safely evaluate and repair your AC system.
How Can An HVAC Technician Help?
An experienced HVAC technician will first inspect your air conditioning unit for signs of damage or corrosion that could indicate a possible leak. If needed, they will likely use special tools like infrared cameras or pressure gauges to detect any hidden leaks within the system. Once they’ve identified the source of the problem, they’ll be able to make repairs as necessary and refill your AC with fresh refrigerant so it can start working again. The technician will also check that all parts are functioning properly before leaving, so you don’t have to worry about any further issues down the road.
A Word on Maintenance
The best way to prevent a refrigerant leak (and other potential problems) is with regular maintenance on your air conditioner. An experienced HVAC technician should inspect your AC at least once per year—ideally just before summer when you’ll need it most—to ensure everything is in good working order. This will help catch any small issues before they become bigger problems, saving you money and hassle down the road!
Faulty Thermostat
You’ve been sweltering in the summer heat and shivering in the winter chill, and you can’t seem to get your home to the perfect temperature no matter what you do. You may think it’s time for a new HVAC system, but the problem may actually lie with your thermostat. A faulty thermostat can cause your HVAC system to stop working properly and lead to higher energy bills and reduced comfort. Let’s take a closer look at how this works and how you can ensure your thermostat is working correctly.
How Thermostats Work
Your thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature of your home. It monitors the current temperature of your home and turns on or off heating or cooling as needed to maintain that level. In order for this system to work correctly, the thermostat must be calibrated correctly so that it knows when to turn on or off. If it is not calibrated correctly, it can cause your system to run continuously, resulting in higher energy bills while also failing to keep you comfortable in your own home.
When To Replace Your Thermostat
If your thermostat is outdated or not working properly, it may be time for a replacement. Newer models are much more efficient than their predecessors and feature digital displays that allow for more precise control over temperatures in both hot and cold climates. Additionally, many modern thermostats are programmable—allowing you to set specific temperatures for different times throughout the day—and have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities so you can control them from anywhere in the world via a smartphone app or web browser.
Clogged Drain Line
Proper maintenance of your HVAC system is essential to keeping your home safe and comfortable. One often overlooked area of maintenance is cleaning the drain line. Without regular care, a clogged drain line can cause water to back up into your home, leading to mold growth and other problems. Keep reading to learn how you can prevent this from happening.
What You Need To Know About Your HVAC System’s Drain Line
Your HVAC system has a drain line that helps remove condensation from the unit. Over time, dirt and debris can build up in this line, causing it to become clogged and preventing proper drainage. If left unchecked, this can lead to water damage inside your home. To avoid this issue, it’s important to clean the drain line regularly.
How to Clean Your Drain Line
Cleaning your drain line is a relatively simple process that requires only basic tools and supplies. Begin by locating the access panel on the side of your unit (this will be clearly marked). Once you’ve found it, open the panel and locate the hose that leads out of the unit. This is where the condensation will flow out when working properly. Disconnect this hose from its connection point and inspect it for any blockages or buildup. If you find any, use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove them as best you can. Finally, reconnect the hose and close up the access panel before running some test cycles on your unit to make sure everything is working correctly.
Take Proactive Steps To Avoid Future Issues
In addition to cleaning your drain line regularly, there are other steps you can take proactively in order to avoid future issues with drainage in your HVAC system. Start by making sure that all air filters are replaced frequently. A dirty filter can obstruct airflow and lead to increased moisture buildup within your system, which could cause drainage issues over time. Additionally, be sure not to overload your system with too many activities at once, as this could also cause drainage problems down the road. Taking these steps now will help ensure that your HVAC system continues functioning properly for years to come.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that taking care of your heating and cooling systems throughout the year will keep you and your family comfortable now, and in seasons to come. Investing in HVAC maintenance or repair can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Don’t put yourself through unnecessary discomfort. Take the time to identify any potential problems and have them addressed accordingly.
Anthem has an experienced team of technicians who make sure their clients’ home-comfort needs are taken care of promptly and with the utmost professionalism each time. Our dependable solutions ensure that your heater or air conditioner is in its best condition to provide cool comfort come summer or warm comfort during winter. Let Anthem keep your HVAC running smoothly — call us today to schedule an appointment!
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