The Smart Homeowner’s Checklist for All Things HVAC Repair

It’s everyone’s dream to own safe and comfortable home. HVAC systems add comfort to your residence. Not to mention that they go in hand with a high efficiency gas boiler. However, these systems require frequent repair and maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently.

Would you like your heating and the cooling unit to run smoothly all year round and increase your system’s lifespan? Read on.

Checklist for All Things HVAC Repair

A checklist is a list of things to be done, requirements, or points to be considered.

11 Unit Repair Tools You Must Have

For any repair to be undertaken, tools are needed. Here’s a list of equipment you may need.

1. Cordless Drill: It’s an essential repair tool that is portable, powerful, and versatile. It should be of at least 18 volts. Ensure you have at least two batteries in case you need it powered for an entire day.

2. Screw Drivers: To prevent electric shock, use insulated screwdrivers.

3. Vacuum Pump: It helps suck air and moisture from the AC lines to regulate leakage.

4. Tin Snips: They help in the cutting of sheet metal.

5. Caulking Gun: Used to seal air ducts.

6. Hand Seamers: They are used to bend and flatten sheet metal.

7. Reciprocating Saw Blades: They are an essential HVAC repair tool as they can cut through anything.

8. Refrigerant Scale: They show the weight of a refrigerant to ensure that the temperature is effectively maintained.

9. HVAC Load Calculator: It’s a digital tool that quickly determines how much heating or cooling your home needs.

10. Nitrogen Regulator: It acts as a pressure control valve that regulates the release of gas or liquid.

11. Multi-meter and Voltage Tester: Since HVAC systems are connected to electricity, multi-meters and voltage testers are used to measure voltage, resistance, verification of live wires, among others, to stay safe from electrical accidents.

Signs You Need HVAC Repair

To determine whether your HVAC needs repair, carry out the following tests: If you don’t know which sign is important to repair your HVAC system, consult with an expert from heatingandcoolingnewyork.com

• Carry out a visual inspection of your heating and cooling system.
• Perform a performance test on your HVAC unit.
• Using a leak detector, carry out a leak test.
• To find the slow leaks, run a dye detector test.

10 Signs That Your HVAC Needs Repair

1. Hot/ Warm Air: If you are getting hot or warm air in your house, your system needs repair.

2. High Humidity

3. If you experience a bad smell when you turn on your heating and cooling system.

4. If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking water.

5. When you hear strange rattling sounds coming from your cooling system.

6. If your HVAC unit frequently goes on and off.

7. If you realize a sudden increase in your utility bills.

8. If you experience a high humidity level in your home.

9. If your home’s airflow is poor, it could mean that your filter is clogged and needs repair.

10. When your heating and cooling system completely stops working.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing an HVAC Repair Company

Before sealing a deal with a repair company, consider the following factors:

Certification: The company and the technician you choose for your home system repair should be duly certified. Ascertain this by looking at their licenses.

Experience and Knowledge: Experience and knowledge are gained over a long period of continuous service in the industry. You should settle for a company that has been in operation longer.

Cost: When choosing an HVAC repair company, research to determine the market price of the services you are looking for. Select the company whose charges are fair.

Customer Reviews: With the continuous advancement of technology, most companies have websites. Visit their website and go through the customer reviews.

Recommendations and Referrals: A repair company that offers great fruitful services will be highly recommended. Also, satisfied clients will give referrals.

What to Do Before HVAC Repair

A malfunction in your heating and cooling system doesn’t always mean that it needs repair. Here’s what to do before you call a repair expert.

Check the Circuit Breakers: If your circuit breakers trip, the system’s power supply will be discontinued.

Find out if the Thermostat is on: If you find that the thermostat is off, change its batteries, and its functionality resumes. Also, you shouldn’t set your thermostat below 70 degrees.

Examine the Air Filter: If your house’s airflow is insufficient, check if the filters are clogged. Replace them if need be.

Check for Power Outage: Before you call a professional to repair your AC, check if a power outage causes the mal-functionality.

How to Avoid Frequent Repairs

Frequent repairing of the heating and cooling system can cause tears and wear. To ensure reduced repairs for your unit, organize regular maintenance routines. Come up with a checklist showing when and how the maintenance will be done. Depending on what season it is, maintenance checklists can be as follows:

• Clean/ replace filters
• Keep the condenser and evaporator coils clean.
• Unclog drain lines.
• Clean the air ducts.
• Examine refrigerant levels
• Check thermostats and controls for correct timer and temperature settings.
• Do lubrication on Moving areas and bearings.
• Change thermostat batteries.
• Seal ductwork

HVAC Maintenance Plan for Efficiency and Long Lifespan

• Purchase high-efficiency air filters.
• Ensure that air conditioning and heat units are clean.
• Create a 2 feet allowance near the outdoor unit.
• Monthly check the refrigerant levels.
• Every 90 days, replace your air filters.
• If it’s summer, switch off the water supply to the furnace.
• During the fall, replace the humidity filter and turn on the water.
• With a bleach/ water mixture, clean the air conditioning condensate drain.
• Your outdoor air conditioning unit should be on firm, level ground.
• Annually replace the carbon monoxide detector batteries.

Conclusion

A well-maintained HVAC system will operate smoothly and ensure that your home is comfortable, your utility bills are low and expensive repairs are avoided. Maintenance of the AC system will also increase your heating and cooling unit’s lifespan and reduce wear and tear. It’s, therefore, essential to invest in professional expertise during your repair and maintenance routines.

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