It’s almost here. You know, that time of year when we can finally stop running the air conditioner. Sure, we Houstonians appreciate a good AC unit, but after months and months of high bills and high heat we are all ready for a change. Pretty soon the AC will be off for good and in its place the heater will bring nice, warm air into our home. But before you turn on the heater for the first time, it’s important to have it checked out to make sure all its parts are working safely and correctly.
Annual checkups are vital to the efficiency of your heater and air conditioning unit. They should be done twice a year: in early spring for the AC unit, and in early fall for the heater. Doing so will help you spot and fix potential problems before they have a chance to get worse.
During a thorough fall HVAC check, a professional will look for the following:
Blockage in the vent or drainage system- The vent and drain are essential parts of your system. Your heater will perform at its best and last much longer with proper drainage and vent piping care by a qualified technician and will also lower your energy bill..
Accumulation of dust and debris- Over time, dust and other particles can get into your system and cause blockage and other damage. Also, airflow is compromised when dust gets in the way. A professional knows the right way to get around your system and clean it properly.
Rust and corrosion- If a part needs to be replaced, don’t wait to get it fixed before it does additional damage to your system. Metal can rust after not being properly cleaned and maintained for a long period of time, damaging important parts of your system.
Dirty flame sensors- If your flame sensors are dirty your burner cannot turn on, keeping your heater from producing heat. An experienced technician will properly clean the sensors so your system functions correctly.
Physical condition- Even though the individual parts of your system are working, the physical condition of the heater is important too. A technician should make sure that both the interior and exterior of your heater meets the highest standards.
Emission of dangerous, undetectable gasses- HVAC service technicians always check the carbon monoxide levels as well as other gasses in your system to ensure there are no leaks, which can be a threat to your health.
If that last one doesn’t raise any eyebrows, it should. Carbon monoxide can leak and go completely undetected for quite some time, leading to health problems or even death.
Deemed the Silent Killer, carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and kills on average 169 individuals a year according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In a recent study by the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 72,000 non-fire carbon monoxide incidents were reported between 2015 and 2019. Of those, 94 percent occurred in a home.
A fall HVAC is important for many reasons. It will help you prepare for cooler weather, improve efficiency in your home, prevent breakdowns and will extend the lifespan of your system. Call the experts at JW East today to book your appointment for your fall HVAC checkup!