We always say regular maintenance checkups are a must to keep heating and cooling systems running as efficiently and safely as possible. But everyone understands sometime making an additional investment is not in the cards, or budget in this case. That is why we at All Temp Co Inc., thought we could offer 3 tips, to help keep your system running efficiently and safely even when the budget is running tight.
- Changing Filters. Most homes have Filters in the Wall, Ceiling, or floor, keeping these filters changed will make a dramatic difference in the life and efficiency of any system. Dirty filters restrict the airflow of equipment making the system work harder and longer to cool or heat your home; similar to trying to breathe with an elephant your chest. But what happens if we don’t have a filter? The same problem! If a system is left without a filter then any debris floating in the air will be sucked onto the coil, where it builds up to once again choke the system. The only difference is the coil is harder to clean than replacing filters! It is important to remember even with regular filter changes, coils should still be cleaned in accordance with a manufacturer suggested maintenance procedure by a professional.
- Get a Carbon Monoxide Detector. If there are any gas appliances All Temp Co Inc., strongly recommends getting a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector, and not the least expensive one you can find! But why is this so important? CO is a poisonous gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Despite being undetectable, CO is very deadly in high quantity. How can CO get in my home? If your home contains any gas powered appliance such as a gas heater, gas range, gas water heater, or gas logs there is potential for high levels of CO either from improper venting, out dated venting, incomplete combustion, a cracked heat exchanger, or many other reasons. The best and safest solution is to have all of your Gas appliances serviced per manufacturer requirements, along with any chimneys or flues in your home and at the very least have a CO monitor capable of protecting your family.
- Last but not least, keeping you outdoor could clear of any obstructions will improve performance. If your home has a heat pump, which is common in our region, the outdoor portion of your system will run even in the winter. Any obstructions to the unit as large as laying sleds against it or even as small as grass clipping, wet leaves, or animal hair sticking to the unit will over time decrease its efficiency and life. To help prevent this we primarily suggest having a professional clean your coil as part of a regularly scheduled maintenance, but in a pinch one can gently rinse the coil with a hose pipe to prevent build-up of any debris!