When to Call an HVAC Technician
People don’t often think about their HVAC systems unless they are experiencing a problem. If you’ve noticed a big problem such as intermittent shutdowns or a marked decrease in efficiency, then calling a repairperson is clearly the right move. There are situations, however, that can also benefit from a professional visit that are not so clear.
If your home has been damaged by flood or fire, chances are your HVAC systems will need some repairs or maintenance. This is true even if you don’t see any obvious problems. Flood waters can sweep trash and other debris into your ducts and vents and cause blockages. After a flood or fire, one of the biggest hazards is the unnoticed moisture left behind, which can lead to mildew or mold growth, and the ducts are a prime place for this. Lastly, water can damage the electrical components of your HVAC system. You want to make sure your systems are dry and intact before running them to avoid electrical fires or other damage.
If you haven’t had your HVAC system serviced in a while, you should have some routine maintenance done. If you want your system to stay in top shape, you need to have it maintained every year. Staying on top of your maintenance will reduce the amount of repairs you’ll need and increase the life of the system. Regular maintenance also keeps the system running more efficiently, which reduces your regular energy costs.
Even small efficiency reductions need to be investigated by a professional. We often accept less and less from our HVAC systems over time, because we assume that the system will become less efficient and that nothing can or should be done about it. While it’s expected that your system will work slightly less well after a year than it did right after it was installed, the drop off in efficiency can and should stop there in a system that is well looked after. Often, a decrease in efficiency is due to a small problem, like low coolant levels. In some cases, though, reduced efficiency is just the first sign of a bigger problem, such as an electrical problem or leaky ducts.
If your system isn’t working well, don’t try to run it anyway. Doing so wastes money on energy costs and can promote greater damage. Even minor problems that could be easily corrected can contribute to bigger problems down the line if you keep running the system without having them fixed. It’s better to have the system inspected and repaired so you can avoid these problems.
The Author: Paul Vanbeek is science-fiction fanatic and accomplished blogger. He enjoys keeping up on industry trends, writing, and playing music. Get more details about this article’s subject: plumbing services Wilmington De You can find more of his writing on the author’s site.