Routine maintenance a must for today's heating, AC systems
The beginning of autumn is one of the busiest times for heating and air conditioning contractors because as cooler weather arrives and consumers turn on the heat, many find that their units won't work.
Often that may be attributed to a "safety" turning off the unit's electrical switch because one of the many myriad parts is not working properly. Contractors have recommended for years that you have heating and air conditioning units inspected on an annual basis.
This is even more important because of the higher number of parts in today's furnaces and air conditioning condensers, not to mention the increased costs of service calls.
"We recommend that consumers find a contractor that they're comfortable with and get an annual service agreement that covers both the furnace and the air conditioner," said Mark Lowry, executive vice president of RSES, a society for heating and air conditioning professionals.
Not only will you maintain the safety of your units and be forewarned of when to expect possible repairs, you will also have priority service in emergency situations.
Keeping your furnace clean will ultimately save on energy bills because a dirty furnace works less efficiently. When air filters are not changed often, dirt can accumulate on the blower wheel causing it to drag and possibly even lead to unsafe conditions. A clean blower wheel allows the furnace to run cooler. Thus, changing air filters often is critical, but don't necessarily think that furnace filters at the big box stores are sufficient. Although those meet minimal ratings, you may be better off checking the manufacturer's Web site to purchase the filters specifically recommended for your unit. These filters may cost a bit more, but will save money in the long run.
Dirt is an air conditioner's worst enemy, too. Even if you did not run the unit much during hot weather, the condenser accumulates dirt just by being outside. Proper pressure and sufficient refrigerant are also critical to maintenance.