You want to make sure your HVAC system is working well when the heat arrives in Clarksville. One of the worst things that can happen is to be in the middle of a heatwave and your air conditioner goes out. Fortunately, there are some HVAC tips that you can do now to ensure your system will be working when you need it most.
Change Your Air Filter
Your air filter is one of the most important components to your entire HVAC system. You cannot heat or cool your home without proper air movement. With your filter gets clogged, you prevent air from flowing into the system, and allowing it to be cooled properly. This means your system will run longer, and will not cool as efficiently.
Even if you use the “long-life” filters, you are best to check them about every 30 days to ensure they are still passing air effectively. You can try to extend their life by vacuuming off the collected dust and dirt. However, be sure to still change them every 30-60 days. (continue below)
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Clean the Outside Unit
Your air conditioner has two primary components, plus the refrigerant lines. These two components are the outside condenser units and the inside evaporator coils. The outside unit has several components inside. However, the one we want to focus on right now is the condenser coil. This is in the outer edge of the unit, and the purpose is to allow the heat to escape it is transporting from the inside to dissipate.
Much like the air filter will restrict air from flowing inside, the condenser coils can get clogged with all sorts of things. It is important to keep this coil clean so the refrigerant can cool properly. At a bare minimum, hose off the outside of the unit without a pressure nozzle on the hose. You can damage the coils if you use too much pressure on them.
Check Your Lines
Next, you want to check the visible parts of your lines. This will likely be the lines coming out to your condenser unit but may also be the lines running to the evaporator coils. What you are looking for is that the insulation is intact, and there are no signs of leaking. Any streaks on the hoses indicate you may have
You will want to come back and check your likes once you do the next step as well. Once your system is running, you want to check the visible sections of the hose to ensure they are not freezing. If you find frost or ice forming on the lines, that is an indication there is not enough refrigerant in the system.
Turn On the System
Once you finish preliminary checks, the next step is to power on your system. When you do, there are several things you want to check. First, check for any weird odors coming out of the system. This can be indicative of mold or mildew in the system.
Next, go to each of the registers and check for proper airflow and temperature. If the air coming out is not as cool as it should be, you may have a leak or other problem with the system. If you are not getting the proper airflow from your registers, then you may have restriction somewhere in the system. The best places to consider are the air filters, the blower fan blades, and restrictions in your ductwork. Many of the causes of restricted airflow will be taken care of during regular maintenance.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
You should plan to have your system maintained by a professional HVAC technician in Clarksville every year. Preferably, you actually do this twice a year, once in the spring for cooling, and once in the fall for heating. During this maintenance visit, a tech will do the following:
- Check & Clean your evaporator coils
- Inspect & Clean your condenser coils
- Clean your blower fan blades
- Check the refrigerant levels
- Check your thermostat
- Inspect the wiring in your system
- Test relays and capacitors
The maintenance is designed to head off expensive emergency visits. While repairs are not included in typical maintenance visits, it does help you identify what repairs may be needed. It also catches minor problems before they become a big strain on the system causing more expensive repairs.
Consider Your Temperature Setting
The last thing you can do is to set your system properly. When determining what temperature to set your thermostat, you want to consider a couple things. First, what is a temperature that is comfortable for you and your family? Second, what is the difference between your desired temperature and the temperature outside? The greater that difference, the more strain it puts on your system, and the more likely you experience some failure. Consider keeping your temperature around 15 degrees difference from the outside temperature.
Call an Experienced Professional if Your System is Malfunctioning
Do you have an extremely old system? Are you seeing or hearing things that weren’t there before? If you suspect that the system is not working properly, you should call a professional as soon as possible.
A few signs that the system is in trouble include abnormal noises or smells, an extremely cold home, expensive bills, and frequent shutoffs. Regardless of the concern, an experienced professional can solve the problem and perform the necessary repairs before an emergency occurs.
Prevention and maintenance costs are much more reasonable than having a costly repair later. Whether you live in Clarksville, TN or somewhere close by, the professionals at DOC Heating and Cooling are ready to help. The highly-trained technicians are available 24/7 for emergency calls and for regular maintenance to help keep your heating & cooling system running smoothly.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Whether you live in Clarksville, TN or somewhere close by we are ready to help. Our highly trained technicians are available 24/7 to keep your heating & cooling system running smoothly.
