An HVAC emergency can prevent you from heating or cooling your Cantonment, FL home, leading to unhealthy indoor air quality and unsafe temperatures. Here are some things you can do to prevent these HVAC emergencies.
Schedule Routine Inspections
Scheduling a routine inspection and maintenance visit with an HVAC technician at least once per year can help prevent emergencies. If a professional discovers issues, a repair can take place before heating and cooling equipment malfunctions or shuts down.
Common issues include loose components, damage to electrical connections, filter issues and parts that require lubrication. These typically require affordable repairs that are essential for HVAC function.
In between routine inspections, pay close attention to any issues that may occur with your HVAC system. These include loud sounds, bad smells or a lack of warm or cool air coming from your vents.
Quickly schedule a service appointment to address the problem. This will prevent further damage from occurring and minimize your chances of having an HVAC emergency.
Check and Change Your Filter
You need to check your HVAC filter every few weeks and change it every 30 to 90 days. Refer to the instructions for the specific type of filter you’re using for an exact time frame. In between changes, inspect your filter for a buildup of debris or damage.
Homeowners who neglect to change their filter in time may experience a particulate buildup on HVAC components. This can lead to system strain, malfunctions and equipment failure.
Evaluate the System’s Performance
Pay close attention to your energy bills. You can compare monthly usage to the same months the year before. This will alert you to any sudden spikes in energy consumption that may be the result of HVAC issues.
These spikes can be the first sign of internal HVAC problems that can lead to an emergency. Common causes may include a dirty air filter, duct problems, low refrigerant or thermostat issues.
Assess the Outdoor Equipment
If you have equipment outside your home, make sure to inspect this area frequently. Look for damage that requires professional attention.
Make sure that no debris blocks the exterior of the unit, obstructing airflow. This can lead to your equipment overheating, which can cause an HVAC emergency and irreversible damage.
Set Your Thermostat Properly
The settings you use on your thermostat can impact the efficiency of your HVAC system. If you’re going to be away for the day, run your heating and cooling equipment less to prevent system strain and emergencies.
If you upgrade to a smart thermostat, you can make these changes remotely. You can also monitor your heating and cooling equipment for signs of malfunction or failure. This will allow you to take prompt action if an emergency does occur.
Promote Adequate Airflow
The vents and registers in your home should always remain open. This promotes balanced airflow through your HVAC system and home. Restricted airflow can strain your heating and cooling equipment.
Schedule Ductwork Inspections
Routinely schedule an inspection of your ductwork. If damage is present, it can lead to HVAC inefficiencies and system strain. Repairs can prevent future emergencies and reduce your energy consumption.
Scheduling a duct cleaning every three to five years can also protect your heating and cooling equipment. This promotes healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) as well.
Insulating your ductwork is a great way to prevent HVAC emergencies. The insulation will prevent overuse of your HVAC system and cut down on potential strain. It can also reduce your monthly energy bills.
We can help you prevent and address HVAC emergencies in Cantonment, FL. Call our team at Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating for prompt diagnosis of HVAC issues and any repairs needed to restore your system to functioning as it should.
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