How Homeowners Can Ensure Their HVAC Systems Are Functioning Optimally

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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units help regulate a home’s indoor humidity, air purity and temperature levels. HVAC units may become inefficient with exposure to outdoor elements, including weather and age. Homeowners should know ways to maintain their HVAC units and when they’re showing tell-tale signs that they’re not performing optimally and need repairs. Here is everything homeowners need to know about keeping their HVAC systems operating properly.

Signs That an HVAC System Is Failing

Homeowners shouldn’t wait until their HVAC system is no longer blowing out cool air or it’s not capable of achieving desired temperatures before searching online for “HVAC service Chicago” to find a company that will send a technician out to their home. Homeowners should instead take action quickly at the earliest signs that an HVAC unit is not properly functioning before the temperature becomes uncomfortable. These signs include:

  • Cycles turning on and off
  • Emission of foul odors
  • Unit making loud sounds

Many of these signs of trouble with an HVAC unit are avoidable with regular maintenance.

Tasks Technicians Perform When Maintaining an HVAC System

Seasonal maintenance is key to extending an HVAC unit’s lifetime. A technician will generally check the following components when performing maintenance on an HVAC unit:

  • Inspect and lubricate the system’s moving components, including its belts and blower motor
  • Clean ductwork
  • Calibrate the thermostat
  • Inspect and clean or replace air filters
  • Remove vent and return obstructions
  • Inspect and clean condensers and evaporator coils
  • Tighten electrical connections
  • Seal ductwork leaks

HVAC units that undergo regular maintenance can last years longer than ones that do not and also help homeowners save on energy consumption and associated electricity or gas costs.

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems make a home a comfortable place to congregate. However, these systems are only valuable to homeowners when they function as intended. Regularly maintaining an HVAC unit and making repairs at their earliest stages is an effective strategy to ensure year-round comfort.