It is tempting to want to skip hiring a professional heating and air conditioning company to maintain your HVAC system after installation. However, this is not advisable since this equipment is quite complicated and inherently dangerous when handled by inexperienced hands. Moreover, some states prohibit homeowners from personally repairing and maintaining their HVAC systems. You could end up liable for damages especially when you sell a house with subsequent HVAC problems.
After installation, it is recommended to regularly perform maintenance checks on your system to ensure that everything is working effectively and efficiently. To do this, you need to acquaint yourself with the different parts of your HVAC system. Fortunately, most new heating and air conditioning equipment come with generic parts that are perfectly serviceable and easy to replace.
HVAC System Components
1.Capacitors
Capacitors are common causes of air conditioning breakdowns. Luckily, replacing one is quite easy and doesn’t need specialty tools. Capacitors are the small cylindrical objects which store energy. They are responsible for starting and running motors by sending jolts of electricity through them. They work in tandem with the blower motor, the outside fan, and the compressor.
If your air conditioner is humming, but its fan isn’t running, you most probably have a capacitor problem. When replacing it, make sure to first discharge its power before dismounting it. Also, make sure to note how the capacitor’s wires are connected to make it easier to connect the new one.
2.Filters
A good working filter makes your heating and air conditioning system run efficiently and improves the indoor air quality. Regular replacement of your filter is necessary because it ensures proper air flow while keeping your home free from allergens, dust, and germs. Replace disposable filters at least once every month when you regularly use your heating and air conditioning system. Washable filters should be cleaned on a monthly basis too.
3.Blowers
Variable blowers are preferable over single speed ones because they are quieter and more economical. Replacing these parts of heating and air conditioning systems is considerably easy for a professional technician.
4.Blower Wheels
Blower wheels sometimes malfunction when their axles crack causing them to come off their binding. A technician should check to see if the motor is okay when replacing blower wheels. This is because a dislodged wheel may cause the system’s motor to burn out.
5.Evaporator Coils
These are quite costly to replace; therefore, you should check the reputation and validity of a brand’s manufacturer before purchasing one. Leaking coils can cause havoc for your heating and air conditioning system. Furthermore, Freon is very expensive to replace.
6.Heat Exchangers
If your heat exchanger cracks, it can quickly pump carbon monoxide into your home causing a buildup of this poisonous gas. Therefore, households using heating and air conditioning systems should have a working carbon dioxide detector installed. Beware of polypropylene secondary heat exchangers because they are known to experience numerous problems.
Heating and air conditioning units have multiple parts that require maintenance and replacement as and when they age. Parts like gas valves, thermocouples, and ignition coils are easily replaceable. You should take care when handling ceramic ignition coils because, though they may not seem hot, they can easily sear your skin causing third-degree burns.
Regular inspection is recommended because technicians can find and arrest issues like leaking refrigerant, damaged isolation feet, or loose bearings. Such problems may cause the entire heating and air conditioning system to malfunction, or suffer premature wear. Additionally, maintenance is cheaper in the long run. Contact us for more information.