Contra Costa HVAC professionals realize that some homeowners simply have no desire to understand how HVAC systems work. On the other hand, understanding at least a little bit about how your system functions can help save you not only money and time, but a lot of aggravation. There are a few easy steps Bay Area homeowners can follow to inspect your own heating/air system, so that potentially costly repairs or even replacement can be avoided. Not only that, keeping your equipment in good running order saves energy, and makes your home its most comfortable!
Here are 6 easy steps you can follow to check your HVAC system
Inspect your filters. The filters on your HVAC system filter out dust, dirt, dander, and other debris. A clogged filter can make your system inefficient, and even effect home comfort. Depending on the type of filter used in your system, toss and replace, or rinse/vacuum to clean.
Look at the ductwork. The ductwork is responsible for delivering conditioned air throughout your home. Look for joints that are not properly connected, holes, rips, or other areas where air can escape – and rodents/vermin can make their way inside. If you notice any of these “red flags,” it’s time to call your Contra Costa HVAC professional.
Is your furnace flame consistent and blue? A yellow or orange flame, or flickering on and off could indicate it’s time for an inspection by a professional.
A dirty thermostat can cause problems. Take a look at your thermostat; if it’s covered with dust, spider webs, and other “gunk,” clean it out using a soft cloth or even a Q-tip.
Note any noticeable changes, such as strange noises or funny (bad) smells that seem to be radiating from the ductwork. Notice a draft of air in a certain area of your home? Any “strange” symptoms should be reported to your heating and A/C professional.
Inspect the compressor blades. Are they obstructed by leaves, pine needles, dirt, or other debris? They may have even become bent or damaged in some way, which affects efficiency. Do not attempt to straighten out the damage yourself, which could result in injury or additional damage to your equipment.
As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot of technical skill or knowledge to perform a basic inspection of your HVAC system. Taking care of issues early on, and discovering potential problems which should be addressed by your HVAC technician can save you a lot of grief and expense!
Have problems with your air conditioning/heating system that are too complex to handle on your own? Call Ortiz Heating & A/C today, and let our trusted technicians handle the job.
The post Contra Costa HVAC – Check Your HVAC System Using These 6 Easy Steps appeared first on Ortiz Heating & AC.