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Tips on Home HVAC Upkeep

If your HVAC system is acting up and you need an HVAC service specialist to give it a tune-up, do your research and don't just call the first company you find online for troubleshooting. Chances are good the system will be running full-time during the winter so it is best to get the check-up done ahead of cold weather. 

The Air Filter

You hear people talking about it, but so few individuals take the recommendation and do anything about it. When there is a obstruction, you either run the risk of not disbursing heat appropriately or perhaps starting a fire. If the system is not distributing heat efficiently, it will be working overtime. Neither situation is good for your wallet or your peace of mind.

Blower

Look at the blower blades to ensure they are free of crap. Should there be any buildup of dirt and debris, your fan will need to work harder to blow the air around, and the heating unit will be overexerting itself. This means strain on your HVAC system and your wallet since more gas is required to continually run the blower.

Fire Damper

Be sure to look at your fire damper for correct operation. The fire damper is self-explanatory so take note of this factor.

The Flex Duct

It is possible that your ducts became damaged through the years for different reasons. If there are blockages or if the duct has been flattened somewhere the HVAC system the correct temperature will be hard to reach. Ultimately your system will be straining to keep your home temps where you want them and you'll probably be adjusting the thermostat to reach comfortable settings.

Band Insulation

It is easy to overlook insulation, but is a typical reason behind a system being out of order. Be sure to check the insulation and confirm it is secure. When insulation is damaged the furnace works more than needed while attempting to reach the best temperature.

Air Ducts

See that your ductwork does not become separated from other areas. Disconnected ductwork will allow heated air to escape and of course add to the running costs.

Return Air Inlets

Ensure that that return air intakes are free of the dust and dirt so air can flow easliy. 

The Zone Dampers

Look at the zone dampers to check if they are in the right spot. Now and again a damper might get moved by mistake like when  you squeeze by it, or make space for storage. For a properly functioning system, look to see that your dampers are actually in the right place.

If these tasks are more than what you are comfortable with, it would be a good idea to appoint a local heating service licensed for HVAC and gas furnaces. Click on the link provided for a Vancouver HVAC service who can handle this for you. The best advice we can offer is to establish annual maintenance for this appliance. 
 

Frequently Asked Question

How often should service be done for a residential

HVAC service maintenance can be performed once or twice a year, depending on usage. If it runs intermittently, then once a year is usually enough.

What all does HVAC include?

In addition to your air conditioner and furnace, HVAC includes combined systems like heat pumps and indoor air-quality equipment like air purifiers. It also encompasses the control systems and smart thermostats that help everything work together.

​How often should HVAC be serviced?
It's recommended that you service your home air conditioning system at least once every year. The same goes for your heating system.
How do I service my HVAC myself?
  1. Check the Battery. If your thermostat is battery-powered, the first thing you should look at is the battery life
  2. Clean Dust and Debris
  3. Test Heating and Cooling
  4. Clear Debris
  5. Clear Fins
  6. Make sure Unit is Leveled
  7. Finishing Up
  8. Clean Evaporator Coil
What is the average life span of HVAC?
Here are the average life expectancies of different HVAC systems: Air conditioners and heat pumps: 10 to 15 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years. Geothermal: 30 years.