Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an essential factor that contributes to good health. Unfortunately, the quality of the air you breathe indoors has worsened through the years, which at times can even be as bad as outdoor air pollution.
When your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) unit doesn’t work as it should, the possibility of microorganisms, such as moulds, pet dander, pollen, and dust mites circulating in your home can be stressful.
When exposed to contaminants, you and your family may experience the following symptoms:
- dizziness
- sneezing
- coughing
- watery eyes
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- fever
- digestive issues
These symptoms may lead to serious health issues like asthma, pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory tract infections.
An HVAC unit that operates smoothly, on the other hand, can supply you with clean air, so you won’t have to worry about your family’s health.
If your HVAC unit breaks down or fails to do its job during the summer season, you may experience heat exhaustion. You’ll know you’re having one when your pulse increases rapidly and your body sweats heavily, which may lead to heat cramps. Severe cases could even lead to heatstroke or hyperthermia.
The younger age group (infants and children aged four years and older) and adults 65 years and older have a higher risk for heat exhaustion.
Meanwhile, you may suffer from hypothermia during the winter season if your HVAC unit doesn’t function at its best. Many people think this can only happen outdoors in severe cold conditions, so they aren’t aware that prolonged exposure to extreme cold indoors can cause hypothermia.
Older adults, especially those with severe health conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s, have a higher risk of death with indoor hypothermia. This is because they lose body heat faster and won’t understand what’s happening to them right away.
Thus, having a fully functioning HVAC unit is crucial to your and your family’s health.
Here are Ways How to Keep Your HVAC Unit Running Smoothly:
Have Your Unit Inspected By Professionals
Although you may inspect the unit and perform routine cleaning by yourself, have a professional look at it occasionally to check for any damage or parts that need repair or replacement. Armed with experience and expertise, professionals will perform a thorough inspection of your unit, including parts you may overlook when you do it yourself. If you live in Clark County, HVAC inspectors in Boyce VA could be of service to you. You can expect them to do the following:
- Run a thermostat test.
- Inspect air filters.
- Check refrigerant levels.
- Check the blower motor.
- Evaluate proper airflow.
- Assess equipment condition.
- Check heater/furnace, gas connections, and exhaust systems.
- Check the condensate drain and drip pans.
Change Filters Regularly
Ideally, it would be best to change your filters twice a year. Have the filters replaced before the hot summer season and at the onset of cold winter? These are the two seasons your HVAC unit work exceptionally hard. Hence, if the filters remain unchanged, they will work twice or even thrice as hard. When this happens, the unit will require more electricity and may pose a risk for damage.
Maintain Your Unit’s Condition Consistently
Maintaining your unit will ensure it will run efficiently and smoothly. This is important as it will guarantee you will have the appropriate temperature when you need it the most. Some things you can do are as follows:
- Clear clogs and drain lines for proper flow.
- Clean evaporator coils and condensers.
- Remove any standing water from drain pans.
- Replace worn pulleys and belts.
- Lubricate any moving parts.
- Inspect the blowers and blades.
Switch To A Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat will allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely, program temperatures at specific times of day, and record your home’s energy usage. One of the most significant benefits you will get from a smart thermostat is its contribution to energy conservation.
It will also ensure that the system won’t be running unnecessarily when no one is around. Overall, a home with a smart thermostat will save approximately 8% on heating and cooling bills.
Clean The Outdoor Condenser Unit
An outdoor condenser is an often-overlooked unit that plays a vital role in keeping the temperature inside your home at optimal best. Debris can gather around the unit, and this could cause the system to work doubly hard.
Ideally, anything flammable should be at least three feet away from the equipment. Make sure that you remove leaves, twigs, branches, or anything that could hamper airflow in the unit.
Clean the fins of the unit thoroughly, too. Because the fins get deformed most of the time, you have to straighten them with a fine comb. Bent fins block airflow and will affect the operation of the unit. Remember to turn off the power before you start doing this for your safety and protection.
Take Note Of Odd Noises And Strange Odors
There will come a time when your unit will make a strange noise or emit an unusual odour. This is a sign of an imminent problem; hence, should be addressed as soon as possible. Often, these kinds of behaviour from your HVAC unit could mean there’s damage on the compressor, fan blower, or fan blade. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to more significant problems and substantial repair costs.
Conclusion
Your HVAC unit is a critical part of your home and will maintain the safety and comfort of the home’s occupants. Keeping it running smoothly will keep your family’s health in top shape and keep your costs down. Aside from that, a properly maintained HVAC unit will lower repair costs and lessen the unit’s breakdown.
If you’re a landlord and handle several housing units, keeping your HVAC functioning well will ensure the satisfaction of your tenants.
Ultimately, a unit kept in good condition may have an extended life span. Generally, HVAC units last for 12 to 15 years, but they can last longer than that with proper maintenance. This is particularly important as the cost of an HVAC unit is not a laughing matter.
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