Central heating and air conditioning units have become extremely popular, almost to the point that people may take it for granted. 80% of new homes built in the United States are fitted with these systems.
With some simple maintenance, you can enjoy your HVAC system for many years, and can avoid costly repair costs in the future. Among the most important of these preventative steps you can do is to routinely change the air filter.
The air filter in your home’s A/C system is located at the intake points of the ventilation. There are many different types, the most common being disposable and pleated. These filters serve two main purposes. The first is to remove contaminates from the home’s air, and the second is to keep the system working smoothly.
Air Quality
As the air circulates throughout your home, the air filter will remove harmful contaminates, dust particles, pet dander, etc. from the air. In one study, air inside a home was shown to be up to 5 times more deleterious to one’s health than the air outside, when not properly filtered. This is because modern homes are built so airtight that these harmful irritants cannot escape the building.
Air filters are rated on their ability to remove these contaminants by their assigned MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). The higher the value, the better the filter is at removing dust particles and contaminants from the air.
System Performance
The second function your air filter serves is to keep you’re A/C running smoothly. A clean air filter is vital to have your air conditioner working efficiently as possible. By trapping and removing the dust particles from the airflow, it prevents these particles from schmutzing up the other elements of the A/C system.
Dirty air filters may cause problems in several areas of the system. Ice may build up on the evaporator coils if there is not sufficient airflow. This will cause decreased performance, and may damage the coils.
Clogged air filters can also cause problems with the compressor, which is very expensive to repair. Clogged airflow causes the compressor to have to work harder, causing it to fail sooner. Also, decreased airflow due to unclean filters can cause energy costs to rise as much as 20%.
Replacement
It is recommended to inspect your home’s air filter every month. If the filter is dirty, then it should be discarded and replaced immediately. Replaceable filters are available that only need to be cleaned when they get dirty. In any case, filters should not be left more than three months without replacement or cleaning.
By: Budda Oliver
Every homeowner should be aware of the importance of residential heating and air conditioning advice available to them. Awareness of the various advice available to you can help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home with much more energy efficiency. Having the air in your home comfortable will help you live better.
Motors, compressors, pumps and other electrical components make up the majority of the elements inside residential heating and air conditioning systems. There many other mechanical, electrical and electronic parts inside most appliances like this as well.
Central forced air heating systems utilize a furnace that pushes heat throughout a building by way of a series of ducts within the walls and ceilings. Having the proper temperature and humidity levels also makes people in the buildings more comfortable.
Repair technicians have to maintain, diagnose and repair any problems that arise within these systems. To do this they adjust the controls, to test the performance levels throughout the whole system. They also use specialized tools and equipment especially designed for these systems. Maintenance of these systems is an essential part of having them stay energy efficient.
When the heating system is not being used as often – such as in the middle of the summer – repair technicians maintain and repair the elements in the system. This work can include replacing dirty filters and making sure the ducts are free from dust and debris. This also makes sure that the units stay energy efficient.
Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Choices
When you go out to purchase the residential heating and air conditioning unit that will operate within your home, remember to pick the one that is right for your needs. Some people choose the popular models and types of systems and then find out that the particular model chosen is not meeting their needs.
Again, it is very important that you do the proper research and choose the residential heating and air conditioning system that is the best choice for your family’s needs. Some units may offer better heating or cooling capabilities for your home or office. Research and talking with a trained residential heating and air conditioning specialist will help greatly in making the right decision. Another thing to remember is the size of your cooling area, if you plan to cool the entire home, you might need a bigger unit then you would with a smaller home.
It is important that your home be the most comfortable place you spend time in. Having the right residential heating and air conditioning unit in place will help with this goal. Ask many questions at your local home supply store and pay special attention to any do it yourself tips given. You can learn more information by looking online as well for some expert advice for buying and installing the cooling and heating systems.
By: David Faulkner