Monday 25 May 2015

HVAC Maintenance: How to keep the costs low?

One of the best ways to keep your service costs to a minimum is by performing regular maintenance. An HVAC system is one of those machines that you need to sustain on a regular basis to keep it in good working order, particularly during the warmer months. Here are a few tips to help you cut down on repair costs:


Installing a digital thermostat:

Digital thermostats are a great way to gauge room temperatures more accurately. These devices are a lot easier to set in comparison to conventional thermostats. You can set and program the device to turn the system on and off when you want. On the other hand, using an inefficient, old fashioned thermostat will cause the unit to work harder than required and lead to technical problems with your system over a period of time.

Keep the attic clear: 

Another way to avoid HVAC repair is to ensure your attic is properly ventilated. As the weather starts to get warmer, you must clear out any needless clutter that can keep the air from circulating properly in the attic. Too much clutter can make it difficult for the system to cool the house efficiently.

Change filters regularly:

The easiest way to avoid HVAC repair cost is to change the filters regularly. AC filters must be replaced every three months. But, if you live in a dusty climate, you will have to change them more often. It is also important to change the filter frequently if you use your HVAC unit throughout the year. A dirty filter can reduce the air quality leading to a less efficient system.

Check the Freon regularly in the unit:

Refrigerants such as Freon are needed for the system to cool the air that comes inside the house. Low quantities of Freon indicate towards a possible leak in the system, which requires immediate repair. This type of leak can also be dangerous to humans or wildlife, as the chemicals are toxic.

Use a low maintenance unit:

An old-fashioned HVAC system that requires additional maintenance or is constantly failing will drain your resources. Make sure your maintenance costs remain low by switching to newer, more durable radiators, heat pumps, and quality condensing boilers. Since the latest units use the best technology, they will need less repair and decrease the costs linked to excessive replacement or maintenance.

Be careful of the set-up:

Poorly set up HVAC systems will end up wasting energy by cooling or heating an empty building. It’s smart to create a plan for your HVAC system setup. If the house remains empty during a particular season such as summer, consider reducing the cooling requirements significantly during this time. In addition, if there are times when the house is occupied, reduce temperatures accordingly to the changes.

Performing routine maintenance on your HVAC unit is an extremely simple task. By keeping your system in good working condition, you can reduce the need for extensive A/C repair in the future. Apart from doing your own maintenance, you must also have a skilled technician to check your system once every year to perform necessary repairs that you are unable to perform on your own.