How to Inspect Your Heating System Before Cold Weather Sets In

There is no convenient time to have a heating system malfunction. However, you can prevent being left out in the cold by performing routine pre-season inspections and maintenance. A home inspection takes very little time, and keeping on top of issues before they're a problem will help keep you and your family warm and cozy throughout those long, cold winter nights.

Avoid Future Problems: Don't Ignore These Heating System Warning Signs

Your HVAC system is integral to your family's comfort and the value of your home. Issues with your furnace or heater can actually impact your energy bills and air quality throughout the year. Here are a few warning signs that it might be time to contact a technician to take a look at your heating system.

Heating Experts List Down Safety Features That Your Furnace Must Have

Heating systems that use natural gas or propane as their fuel are highly efficient at converting the gas into heat. One downside of these systems is that the combustion of gas creates byproducts such as carbon monoxide. 

Common Air Conditioning Myths That May Damage Your System Over Time

Innocent activities that you believe are good for your air conditioning system may actually hurt it. Traditional, split systems have many components that are either housed inside or exposed to the weathering elements. If you're concerned about maintaining a quality AC system, consider these myths and what you can do as an alternative.

Clever Air Conditioning Care Tips and Tricks for Any Time of Year

Your air conditioner gives the home a comfortable feeling on the hottest days of the year. In many regions, it might be used almost every month because of changing temperatures. This hardworking appliance needs to have some maintenance throughout the year, which includes both owner and professional maintenance chores.

Consider some of the simplest things that can be done to your air conditioner to prolong its lifespan.

Summer Air Conditioning Tips to Reduce Your Home’s Electric Bills

Summer is now in full swing, and you are likely pushing your air conditioning system to its limits, just so you can stay comfortable under the sweltering heat. Most likely, you are pushing your utility bills to its limits as well. If you want to lower your summer electric bills right now, then here are three tips that you need to implement fast:

Keep your drapes closed

It’s nice to have plenty of natural light in your home. Unfortunately, the heat the sun generates is costing you, because it makes your AC unit work harder to keep your home’s temperature to the desired levels. Unless it’s completely necessary to let some sunshine in, keep your drapes closed when you’re using your AC.

Leave your air vents open

The common belief is that closing some of the air vents in your home keeps it cooler elsewhere. On the contrary, closing more than 10 percent of your home’s air vents leads to an imbalance in pressure that reduces your AC’s cooling power, so it’s best to leave them open.

Keep your AC system clean

Inspect your AC system for any debris and obstruction, and remove these as you find them. Be sure to check your AC’s filters as well. If your AC has a permanent filter, clean it. If it’s disposable, replace it. A dirty filter makes your AC less efficient, leading to higher energy bills.

If you still feel uncomfortable with your AC’s cooling level despite these tips, it may be time to have your system looked at by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professional. Do this immediately so you can get your AC working at the optimal level at the soonest time possible.

Sources:

AC energy-saving tips, savewithsrp.com
8 Steps to Take Now to Save on Your Summer Air-Conditioning Bill, money.usnews.com

How to Determine When Your Air Conditioning Unit Needs to Be Serviced

Having a properly working air conditioning unit is essential to maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout your home. Like any major appliance, though, your air conditioner must be maintained and sometimes requires a bit of servicing. Although you should have your air conditioner checked by HVAC professionals at least once a year to ensure that it's still operating at maximum efficiency, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for that let you know your unit needs to be serviced right away.

Sparks

If your air conditioner is emitting sparks in or around the unit, then it certainly needs to be serviced right away. Air conditioners that emit sparks are definitely not safe to be using since they could end up completely catching fire, and electrical fires can pose immediate threats to anyone in the vicinity when they ignite.

Leaking

If your air conditioner is leaking, then it is probably in need of servicing as well. It should be noted that a leaking air conditioner is much different than one that simply has a bit of moisture on the outside of the unit. It's normal for air conditioners to have a bit of condensation on them, but if you see a large puddle of water around your air conditioner, then something's wrong. Your air conditioner should not be leaking water or any other fluids.

Constant Running

Perhaps one of the most significant signs your air conditioner is in need of servicing is if it constantly runs, but the temperature in your home doesn't seem to be getting any lower. When this happens, oftentimes your thermostat or other essential element has a problem. Although you can run an air conditioner without a properly working thermostat, running the unit constantly will significantly decrease its lifespan.

Sources:

9 Things You Need to Know About Air Conditioning, thisoldhouse.com

MAINTAINING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER, energy.gov