Category: Home Maintenance

During the winter months, below-freezing temperatures, sleet, snow, and blustery conditions can prove to be a real challenge for your heating system. Your furnace must combat cold outside temperatures to deliver consistent warmth throughout your house. Depending on where you live, the constant stress of operation each season could take a toll on your equipment.

Like most electronics, appliances, and other pieces of equipment around your home, your furnace has a life expectancy. The average furnace has an expected lifespan between 15 and 20 years. Without major damage or equipment failure, you can expect your furnace to deliver warm air for several winters. With proper care and regular maintenance, however, you can extend the lifespan of your furnace by 30 percent or more. Likewise, with taxing demands and neglect, you could impact the health of your equipment and experience premature equipment failure. If that happens, you could be on the hook for a new furnace in as few as 5 to 10 years. To avoid costly replacement or repair expenses, there are some steps that you can take.

Paying regular attention to your furnace will help you ensure that it keeps your home comfortable for many heating seasons. From routine maintenance and inspection to cleaning, homeowners can take several steps to get furnaces running. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to get your furnace to last longer.

Schedule annual maintenance.

Annual maintenance is one of the most important things that you can do to extend the lifespan of your furnace. Many HVAC manufacturers recommend annual furnace maintenance before each heating season. Annual maintenance will allow a qualified HVAC professional will inspect the equipment, clean off burners and other components, lubricate internal parts, tighten belts, secure connections, and check for any other minor issues. During normal use, your system will experience wear and tear. In general, smaller issues from normal operation won’t interfere with the system. However, over time, many minor problems can take a toll on your equipment and impact the health of your system. Routine maintenance will ensure that your equipment is running at peak performance for many winter seasons.

Change your air filters regularly.

From cleaning your gutters to changing the batteries in your smoke alarms, there are several things that you need to do around your house regularly to help maintain it. Among homeowner maintenance tasks, replacing air filters regularly is one of the most important. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder. When the furnace tries to pull air through your clogged filter, it has to work harder and expend more energy. Given the demands that the winter season places on your system, dirty air filters could cause more stress and drastically impact the performance and average lifespan of your furnace. Air filters need to be replaced often to ensure that your furnace doesn’t have to fight to circulate air.

Increase your home’s efficiency.

The harder that your furnace has to work, the sooner it will give out. To get your furnace to last longer, you need to do everything possible to reduce the workload of your furnace. Aside from changing your filters, you should make sure that all of your vents are open and clear to allow air to flow freely. You can also seal up ductwork to prevent warm air from escaping into your basement, attic, or walls. Additionally, you ensure that your doors and windows are energy-efficient and help keep your home warm.

Your furnace can last longer than the average 20-year lifespan with care and maintenance. To help your furnace last longer, you can schedule regular maintenance, change air filters frequently, and increase the efficiency of your home.

The fall and winter months can be a glorious time of beautiful changing leaves, cool and crisp air, winter sports, and some much-needed time with family and friends. One thing that can spoil it all, however, is if your heating system fails you during these colder seasons. Every homeowner wants to stay comfortable throughout the year, and one of the most important ways to ensure this is to have a technician perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system.

Preventative maintenance is important to prevent minor problems from becoming major ones; it can improve your home air quality and safety, and it may even be necessary to keep your warranty on your heating system. Of course, there are some times when keeping up with this maintenance won’t be enough, and your system will begin to suffer anyway. Naturally, you’ll want to mitigate damage and keep the costs of repair services as low as possible, and to do that, you’ll need to be able to recognize warning signs. Here are some of the most common furnace sounds that indicate trouble with the heating system.

Loud bangs are priority number one.

It is normal for your furnace to make a low level of noise when it turns on, but if you’re hearing a loud bang, booming, or other such strange noises when it comes on, that’s an indicator that you need to look into furnace repair as soon as possible. There are several things that these loud noises can mean, and none of them are good.

If it sounds like someone set off a firecracker when your furnace ignites, this could indicate fuel buildup. This is most frequently caused by a faulty burner that’s having difficulty reaching a high enough temperature to ignite the fuel in your heating system. When the fuel finally does ignite, the excessive amount that has built up causes an extremely loud noise when it’s finally ignited. This can damage your fuel exchanger, and even more importantly, it’s one of the common fire hazards that can lead to damage in your home. There’s also the possibility that a weak pilot light may be causing a blockage or low fuel pressure that results in a loud noise.

Squeals need to be repaired soon.

While generally not as dangerous as loud bangs, squealing sounds coming from your heater are extremely alarming and annoying, and they’re unlikely to stop on their own once they start. A worn belt on the motor is one of the most common culprits for this noise, and you’ll want to inspect it for cracks, frayed edges, and other signs of damage. If the belt tension has loosened, it will need to be tightened by a professional. These noises may also indicate loose or damaged bearings, which should also be replaced or lubricated by a qualified technician.

Rattles and rumbles may be signs of loose debris.

While not as frightening as the other noises on this list, hearing a low rumbling when your furnace turns on can still indicate a serious problem, such as faulty ductwork, loose debris, and contaminants, or even a faulty fan blade. In some cases, these sounds may even indicate a damaged heat exchanger, which can lead to a carbon monoxide leak, so it’s imperative to have these strange sounds investigated as soon as possible.

Particularly if you have a centralized system, you’ll want to keep dirt and debris to a minimum. Your ducts can spread contaminants throughout your home when they’re dirty, and this lowers your indoor air quality. You may generally think of pollutants as being associated with outdoor air, but it’s so easy to track them into your home that indoor air can be even more contaminated than the air outside. For both your safety and comfort, it’s crucial to have furnace repairs completed as soon as possible if you’re hearing any unusual sounds.

As a homeowner, you want to absolutely love where you’re living. You have the complete freedom to build a space that speaks to your soul and allows you to feel fully comfortable and happy. Sometimes, this may require a few home remodels along the way. It can be fun to find new and exciting ways to spruce up your home or add interesting new elements. From kitchen upgrades to exterior repairs to landscaping choices, there’s a lot to consider as you start your home remodel and renovations.

There are so many areas and aspects of your home that you may feel excited to improve. An ultimate home remodel will involve all these different elements and help you create a total transformation. Go room by room and find the things that need to be fixed and then decide on the aspects you’d like to improve just for fun. Here are a few aspects of the ultimate home remodel that can hopefully give you some inspiration.

Give your kitchen a facelift.

Your kitchen is a huge focal point of your home. This is the space where you and your family prepare meals together and share great memories. Plus, the style of your kitchen can make or break the value of your home. Give this space a facelift with new countertops as a part of your home design consultation. By upgrading to quartz, marble, or granite countertops, you’re creating a classier, more elegant space in your home. Whether you need quartz countertops in Phoenix or Chicago, you can find the perfect retailers who will help you get this durable and stunning look within your home.

Consider adding a focal point to your backyard.

Many homeowners will focus on the interior of their home during a remodel and forget about the yard space entirely. Avoid this mistake by prioritizing your landscaping. This may even be time to add an exciting element or focal point to your backyard. Including a pool can be one of the best choices to create the ultimate backyard space that everyone will love to visit. Prosper area pool builders offer competitive pricing and excellent options for you to finally get the pool of your dreams. Imagine all the lovely afternoons lounging out by the water or the awesome parties you can throw by adding this element to your home remodel.

Put in a home edition.

If you’re choosing to remodel due to a need for more space, you can consider including a full addition to your home. Consult builders to see about expanding with a new bedroom or perhaps finishing your basement. By adding these extra spaces, you’re getting the most out of your property in new, creative ways.

Improve the roof and exterior of your home.

The exterior of your home undergoes a lot to keep you and your family safe. All the natural elements of wind, rain, and the like can cause some issues you’ll want to improve. Consult roofers or take a look at your siding to make sure there aren’t any dents or serious problems. After all, the exterior of your home is supposed to be durable and protective, so check in to make sure it is doing just that.

Have fun with some fresh interior design.

For many, home remodels are a necessity and they choose to focus on those priorities. But sometimes, you just want to remodel your home and improve the interior design for fun. Get creative and add in different elements that are just for your enjoyment. Get that couch you want to splurge on, commit to hardwood floors, or try out that new coat of paint. Creating the home you love can include these exciting elements as well.

Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities, many of which will be unfamiliar to those who have been lifelong renters. One thing you’ll definitely need to learn how to do is take care of your HVAC system. However, it can be difficult to understand what you need to do and when you should call for professional help. A lot of people assume that they can handle minor repairs or installations on their own, but that isn’t always the case. If you’re on the fence about a new thermostat, keep reading to learn whether or not you should consider replacing your existing thermostat yourself.

Should you replace your thermostat yourself?

You may be wondering if it’s possible to replace your existing thermostat yourself. While having a professional replace your thermostat may seem like a lot of work, it’s often the safest option, especially if you don’t have any training in electrical or HVAC repair. Anyone who tries to take on the task without the requisite knowledge could be risking a number of serious consequences like an electrical shock, blowing a circuit breaker, or damaging the unit. For most people, the small amount of money that could be saved isn’t worth the potential risks.

If you’re having your thermostat replaced, it may be a good idea to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat can often be operated online or through a smartphone app, which gives you even more control over the temperature in your home. Many systems will also allow you to cool your home by zone or set different temperatures in different parts of the house. Being able to use your HVAC system only when you need it can cut down significantly on your energy costs, making a smart thermostat a good decision for both your quality of life and your finances.

How can you tell when your thermostat isn’t working?

There are several warning signs you should keep an eye out for when it comes to your thermostat. One major red flag is being unable to operate your HVAC unit. When you’re unable to turn your heating and cooling system on and off, it’s likely that your thermostat isn’t sending the proper signals to your HVAC system. If you’re experiencing this type of disruption, you should have a technician come inspect your thermostat as soon as possible.

A malfunctioning thermostat will also often cause your HVAC system to cycle on and off. This will result in overwork and increased energy consumption. You’ll be able to tell that this is happening primarily due to ineffective heating and cooling in combination with suspiciously high energy bills. You may also notice inaccurate temperature readings, meaning your home will feel warmer or cooler than the temperature displayed on your thermostat.

Your thermostat’s age can also be an indication that it needs to be replaced. Experts suggest that thermostats become more vulnerable to damage after about seven years. After that, a replacement should be considered. If you want to extend the lifespan of your thermostat and your HVAC system, it’s essential that you’re proactive about preventive maintenance and repairs.

Your thermostat is an essential part of your HVAC system, so you should definitely keep an eye out for any warning signs that something is wrong. A sudden increase in your energy bills, inconsistent indoor temperatures, and age can all be indications that it’s time to replace your thermostat. You may even want to upgrade to a smart thermostat to cut down on your energy costs in the future. While DIY home repairs can be a great way to save money, you should leave technical repairs that involve messing with your electrical or HVAC system to the professionals.

When the weather outside is frigid during the winter months, you rely on your furnace to keep your home comfortable and cozy. As the workhorse of your home during the winter, your furnace has to combat outside conditions to deliver reliable indoor temperatures. As a result, your equipment has to meet the demands and strains of the frequent cycles required to heat your home. To ensure that your heating system is running at peak performance, you need to invest in regular annual maintenance every fall.

Many doctors recommend a moderate exercise routine to help people ensure their bodies are healthy and in shape. Similarly, routine maintenance for your furnace will help it stay in shape and keep running all winter long. Many HVAC professionals agree that your furnace should keep running for about 20 years as long as there is no significant damage or malfunction. With routine care and maintenance, however, you can prolong the lifespan of your equipment by as much as 30 to 50 percent more. Avoiding the costs of a new furnace and preserving the life of your equipment is heavily dependent on consistent annual maintenance.

Along with extending the life of your furnace, there are many other benefits to scheduling an annual furnace service. Furnace maintenance is the key to cozy and reliable indoor comfort. Let’s look at how regular maintenance can help you have a comfortable home all winter long.

Heating system maintenance can prevent potential issues.

One of the biggest benefits of annual heater maintenance is that it can help you avoid the costly repairs, frustrations, and uncomfortable temperatures that come with system failures. Your furnace may experience normal wear and tear during operation that leads to minor issues. While these issues aren’t a big deal at first, they could create some large problems if left unresolved. During your annual maintenance appointment, small cracks, leaks, loose belts, and other issues will be identified and corrected. If your furnace stops working on a cold winter night, you could be in for a miserable experience. To prevent unnecessary trouble with your furnace and maintain cozy indoor temperatures, you should ensure that your equipment gets proper maintenance each fall.

Annual maintenance service can ensure your equipment is safe.

Early fall is the best time for furnace maintenance so that you have time to address any safety issues before you need indoor heat. A heating technician will do a thorough inspection of your equipment to ensure that it is safe for operation during the winter season. Your furnace relies on many dangerous materials and processes to deliver warm air throughout your home. If your equipment is in good working order, your furnace is a safe, reliable heat source. However, dirty burners, blocked vents, and cracked components could lead to safety hazards that threaten your equipment, your home, and even your health. From fire risks to carbon monoxide leaks, you’ll want to be sure to identify and correct any potential issues before they become problems. An HVAC technician with extensive training and experience will ensure that your furnace delivers safe, reliable heat.

Regular furnace maintenance can improve indoor comfort.

During your annual maintenance appointment, the technician will clean your equipment and optimize your unit to help it run at maximum performance. When your system runs efficiently, it will deliver the warmest air possible to ensure home comfort. Additionally, a clean system will help improve your indoor air quality. A heating system in good condition is free from dirt, dust, and pollutants that can build up and cause contaminants to circulate your home. Regular maintenance will help your system deliver clean, warm air to ensure your family is healthy and comfortable.

During the winter, you need to be able to rely on your heating system for comfort. Routine maintenance every fall will make sure that your system can deliver safe, reliable warmth all winter long.

Whether you’re taking a shower, brushing your teeth, or filling up a pot to boil pasta, you want some peace of mind knowing that the water in your household is safe for use. Local water departments will advise residents about concerns over water quality or the potential for pollution in their groundwater. That’s why many people have opted for ways of filtering their water to remove any concerning contaminants that can be detrimental to the health and well-being of them and their loved ones. Let’s take a closer look at some of those contaminants.

Heavy Metals

One of the most common contaminants that affect your water is heavy metals. Cement plants, natural mineral deposits, and even outdated household plumbing can lead to many metals seeping into drinking water. This includes metals like arsenic, lead, nickel, and mercury. Exposure to these heavy metals can lead to long-term health issues, as severe as anemia, cancer, and organ damage.

You’ve probably read about the recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan, where heavy metals from outdated pipes and plumbing systems have led to lead and other toxins finding their way into drinking water. This contamination of toxic substances has left residents in the community feeling extremely ill. Despite recent efforts to correct the issue, access to clean water remains a problem in Flint and other communities across the United States. In some areas of the country, radiological contaminants have become a concern. These are chemical elements with an unbalanced number of protons and neutrons resulting in unstable atoms that can emit ionizing radiation.

Fluoride & Nitrates

Yes, fluoride is helpful in preventing tooth decay and is recommended in dental products that you use, but too much of a good thing can be damaging to your overall health. Excessive levels of fluoride can lead to what’s known as skeletal fluorosis. Skeletal fluorosis causes tenderness and pain in the joints and bones. It also causes tooth discoloration or tooth pitting during the formative period for young children. These chemical contaminants can be a detriment to public health, which is why public water sources do their best to balance levels of fluoride.

Naturally occurring and man-made chemical contaminants can create problems for homeowners and their family members. Nitrogen, bleach, pesticides, and other toxins can create dangerous water pollution that can cause a litany of health problems after prolonged exposure. Nitrates are common contaminants in a water supply and are commonly found in chemical and animal fertilizers in agricultural areas. Chemical contaminants also stem from animal waste and human sewage that contaminates water through the movement of groundwater and water runoff. These reduce the abilities of the blood to carry oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath or reduced circulation, turning skin blue.

Organic Chemicals

While organic chemicals may sound like a good thing, the truth is they can lead to hidden dangers in groundwater. These chemicals contaminate private wells through surface water runoff, waste disposal, and spills. Organic chemicals are actually quite common in paints, pesticides, disinfectants, and other sources. Chlorine commonly interacts with organic materials in water to form a mixture of DBPs, and DBP concentrations in water in the United States have been shown to increase cancer risk.

DBPs, or disinfection byproducts, are also linked to exposure to heavy metals like arsenic, which has been commonly linked to risks associated with bladder cancer. Private wells, especially those dug on properties prior to 1960, have had to deal with concerns over waterborne diseases associated with these DBPs. It’s more important than ever to recognize the need for proper water filtration in your home. This makes sure that any amount of water you use is healthy for the use of you and your family members.

Getting through the summer can be taxing, especially through the heat and humidity. That’s where your HVAC’s air conditioning is a crucial part of your household. Once the temperature cools down, you can ease up on the use of your HVAC system, and that’s an opportune time to get your unit ready to blast the heat for the winter. Here are some tips for staying on top of HVAC maintenance and using the fall to get your household in order for the chillier months.

Schedule an appointment with a technician.

While some routine maintenance falls on the homeowner, it’s important to have a licensed HVAC technician check your unit at least once or twice a year to make sure it’s up to code. Be sure to schedule early fall HVAC maintenance in Fairfax, VA, to make sure your unit gets any necessary repairs or replacement before you begin the winter months, which is usually a period of high energy consumption. The last thing you want is to have to get through winter without a heating system operating at its peak.

A maintenance check will be sure to look into all of the internal mechanisms of an HVAC system, making sure there are no signs of rust and corrosion. This will also look for any gunk or dust that is clogging up parts of the unit. A technician will also impact the ductwork to make sure there are no leaks or cracks that are inhibiting airflow. Ducts and vents will also be evaluated to make sure there is no buildup of dust or other contaminants that might be keeping the heater from doing its job.

Stay on top of your regular HVAC maintenance.

The usual lifespan of an HVAC system is anywhere from 15 to 20 years depending on the size of a unit. However, a proper maintenance plan will make sure you get the most out of this investment as a homeowner. Regular maintenance is also the best way to avoid any kind of breakdown that will lead to a more costly repair, or even having to replace the system earlier than you anticipated having to.

Be sure to seasonally clean or replace filters to make sure that there is no clogging or buildup or allergens that can hinder the airflow from an HVAC unit. Oftentimes, these blockages are ignored and we go running to the thermostat to crank up the heat because the temperature indoors is not matching up. This is only putting undue pressure on an HVAC unit and sending your energy bill up even higher. This will make sure that your furnace is operating at its best, while not putting more on your invoice as you usually anticipate during the winter months.

Take additional steps to improve indoor air quality.

Regular HVAC maintenance should be done in conjunction with regular cleaning of your household. This is all in the best interest of maintaining the best indoor air quality possible for you and your loved ones to breathe in. Keeping dust and allergens out of the air can also be benefitted by a scrubber that works to kill viruses and bacteria that may linger in the air. You may also want to look into dehumidifiers for your household to avoid a high humidity level while the heater is on. Humidity creates a breeding ground for dangerous mold spores that could have a devastating impact on your health.

One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality with immediacy is just to get some doors and windows open, creating a cross-breeze with proper ventilation. This also puts less pressure on the HVAC unit during the times of the year where you really don’t need to have it on. Routine maintenance and care are all you need to make sure your heater and air conditioner keep you comfortable all year long.

If you’ve ever felt like your heating system isn’t keeping up with the demands of the season, you aren’t alone. Many Americans report underperforming HVAC systems each year. If you live in your home long enough, it is almost a guarantee that this will happen. While it might be a common issue, however, it doesn’t make it less frustrating. It’s important to remember that your heating system comprises complex equipment, and there are several potential causes for your issues.

The best way to mitigate many heating system issues is through routine maintenance and care. Regular maintenance performed by a professional technician will ensure that your system runs at peak efficiency all winter long. Inside your system are complex pieces of equipment that work together to provide warm air throughout your home. If any parts of your equipment are compromised, it could mean uncomfortable temperatures inside of your home.

During normal use, general wear and tear can take a toll on the function of your heat pump or furnace. As a result, you could experience system inefficiencies and underperforming equipment. If you believe that your system is struggling to keep up during the cold weather, it could mean that you require repairs or even replacement. Let’s take a look at why your heating system isn’t performing up to spec.

1. Inefficient Equipment

One of the major reasons why your heat pump or furnace might not be performing well is system inefficiencies. Depending on where you live, harsh winter conditions could place heavy demands on your equipment. Over time, your system will experience small leaks, cracks, and a build-up of dirt, dust, and other substances. Most of these issues won’t lead to system failure. However, if they are left unresolved, they could cause your equipment to work harder. As your system has to work to overcome the issues slowing it down, you might notice that your home is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature. Regular maintenance can help resolve any issues that may cause efficiency issues.

2. Aging System

As a general rule, your furnace should last around 20 years. Routine maintenance and care can extend the lifespan of your system by several years, however. Even with regular service, your system will experience issues as it continues to age. As the system gets older, it will begin to succumb to wear and tear and will require repairs and more frequent service. Older systems are less efficient and struggle to keep up with the demands of outdoor temperatures. A professional HVAC system technician can help to diagnose your older system and provide solutions for repair or replacement.

3. Ductwork Issues

Occasionally, an underperforming heat pump or furnace isn’t the result of faulty equipment. In some instances, your ductwork could be the cause of inconsistent heating. Similar to heating systems, ductwork also has a lifespan of 15-20 years. As the duct materials age, they can become cracked or damaged and allow air to leak out. If your heat is leaking through the ductwork, it isn’t making its way into your home.

Additionally, many homeowners don’t realize that older ductwork can accumulate pounds of dust, dirt, and allergens. As your ventilation system becomes clogged, it will be difficult for warm air to circulate throughout your home. A trained technician will be able to inspect your ductwork and provide cleaning services to help improve your heating.

Other problems with things like your thermostat, air filters, or blower could also be the cause of an underperforming system. If you feel like your heating system is struggling to combat the outdoor temperatures, you should get a trained technician to do a complete check of your equipment. In many cases, your system might only require a tune-up or cleaning to get it back in working order.

The duties of a homeowner may seem as though they’re never really done. After all, how many times have you repaired your thermostat only to find that your entire HVAC system is actually in need of repair, too? Nevertheless, it’s crucial that you perform even the most monotonous of the tasks at hand to ensure you have a home that’s safe, secure, and keeps you and your family smiling. Whether you realize it or not, though, there’s more to these tasks than just keeping up the day-to-day tasks of any homeowner. These necessary yet not-so-exciting home maintenance tasks come with crucial benefits that will help you live your best life.

It will improve your daily life.

As you work on the task that’s next up on your home maintenance checklist, you can easily assume that it’s necessary, sure, but hardly giving you any benefit at the moment. After all, the tedium of this boring to-do list addition is anything but fun. In fact, it’s more likely that it’s taking time away from the things you do consider to be fun! And yet, you’ll find that this benefit is most certainly there. Consider, for instance, if you took the time to boost your HVAC efficiency. That initial investment of time and energy (as well as money, if you’ve hired expert technicians to do the work, which is always a good idea, too) will quickly pay off with improved energy efficiency throughout your home. Your air conditioner will run more smoothly, your ceiling fan will get a well-deserved break, and your vents will no longer be blowing allergens into your air. Who knew there was so much behind the efficiency of your air conditioner and HVAC?

It will boost your budget.

Of course, cleaning debris from your air filters and repairing your furnace will save you money by letting you avoid more expensive repairs down the line. But have you thought about what those extra funds might mean for your fun fund? Consider the best way you could spend that extra money. Maybe you’ll splurge on the best bounce house or water slide rental in Long Island just in time for your next event. More likely than not, you hadn’t thought about that perk when you set out to clean the ducts or improve airflow throughout your home!

It will increase the value of your home.

Whether to fund your Long Island water slide or upgrade your AC efficiency to lower your utility bills, home maintenance is a great way to boost your budget. However, did you know it could also add a little extra spending money for your future self? If you expect to sell your home, you’ll find that regular home maintenance pays off when your home suddenly increases in value!

It will protect your belongings.

Sure, your home maintenance tasks might detract from the time you could otherwise spend enjoying all the fun items you’ve packed into your home. That won’t much matter, though, if an otherwise avoidable disaster takes out your belongings! So how can you avoid such a catastrophe? You guessed it—by keeping up with preventable home maintenance.

Not even the most devoted Long Island NY homeowner out there wants to spend all their time worrying about home maintenance tasks. Nevertheless, these unavoidable parts of your to-do list aren’t without benefits. From saving money and preventing disaster to raising your home’s property value and allowing you the freedom to spend time and money on whatever fun pastimes you can dream up, you may very well find that home maintenance is, in fact, the key to whatever sorts of entertainment you’d prefer to spend your time on.

For homeowners, indoor air quality is an important element of health and safety in the household. Primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people in the United States remain uncertain of the effects that air conditioner units and ventilation systems have on public health. The past year has brought more attention to the importance of HVAC systems than ever before.

With months of false information circulating throughout some social media and other online sources, homeowners have been left to filter false claims from accurate information regarding COVID-19 and indoor air quality. If you’re one of the many homeowners looking to debunk the misinformation surrounding HVAC systems, there are key points to keep in mind. Here, we will look at some of the false claims regarding the work of HVAC systems and how you can ensure your family’s health and safety through good indoor air quality.

HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality

Contrary to some of the disinformation online, HVAC units can actually improve indoor air quality. This is largely due to some of the most important functions of the air conditioner itself. Aside from providing a household’s inhabitants with comfort and convenience, an HVAC system’s ventilation is designed to remove contaminants that come from outside. Unlike what the false information concerning the work of HVAC systems claims, an HVAC’s air filters catch outside toxins and allergens within their mesh. This important function purifies the majority of the incoming and outgoing airflow, making the air more breathable for occupants.

When the many forms of organic air pollution are taken into consideration, the purifying abilities of a good HVAC system become much more apparent. Some of the most common allergens that can enter the household include pollen, pet dander, mold, and spores. If any of your family members suffer from asthma or similar respiratory illnesses, the threat of poor air quality can become very dangerous to their health. Luckily, there are numerous ways to enable your HVAC system to successfully do its job of cleaning your indoor air. Although erroneous accounts of disinformation have reported that diseases, such as COVID-19, are spread through indoor air circulation, a well-maintained HVAC actually helps prevent the spread of diseases.

Getting the Most From Your HVAC System

As mentioned, the ventilation and air filters in your HVAC are both important components in guaranteeing healthy air quality. If you’re concerned that your HVAC isn’t running at peak capacity for air purification, there are a few steps you can take to improve the unit’s functionality. The first place to begin is with the ductwork and filters, both of which require routine maintenance. Most HVAC technicians agree that ducts and vents should be professionally cleaned twice a year. Ideally, this type of comprehensive cleaning should take place before the summer and winter, which is when the air conditioner and heater tend to get the most amount of use, respectively. Likewise, you can change out the unit’s dirty filters yourself. Professional technicians recommend that you do this approximately every other month.

Despite the spread of misinformation, properly caring for your unit ensures that your air quality will always be at its peak breathability levels. A great way to guarantee that your home’s operating systems are functioning properly is to schedule regular maintenance before any yearly seasonal change. Aside from changing your filters and giving the ductwork it’s mandatory cleaning, a technician can inspect the air conditioner and heater for potential breakages or gas leaks. These tasks not only lower your monthly energy bills but also prevent costly machine breakdowns. Most importantly, however, regular maintenance can help ensure that your family has the very best indoor air quality for years to come.

Your ability to modify your environment to suit your preferences and needs ensures your comfort. For example, adjusting your indoor temperature ensures you can enjoy routine activities in your home or workplace throughout the hottest and coldest months of the year.

Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can also save your life. Globally, millions of people die from extreme temperatures every year. Consequently, having an HVAC system that can handle hot and cold temperatures enables you to address both preferences and needs. How can you ensure your furnace can handle cold temperatures? Let’s look at how to maintain your HVAC unit to ensure it works correctly year-round and how you benefit from maintaining your HVAC system.

How can you ensure your furnace is ready for winter?

Your HVAC system connects to your thermostat. When your indoor temperature drops below the set temperature, your furnace comes on. The unit pulls air in through return vents. This air travels along ducts until it reaches the HVAC unit. It passes through a filter and enters the unit, where the furnace warms the air. The warm air travels through ducts to supply vents, where it blows out into the rooms in your house.

Your thermostat isn’t the only factor that affects your indoor temperature. Extreme cold weather can make it challenging for your furnace to heat enough air to compensate for drafts. However, malfunctioning HVAC systems may also struggle to maintain a desirable temperature in your home.

To ensure you’re ready for winter, you must make sure your furnace or heat pump can handle cooler temperatures. The best way to be confident your unit can handle the cold air involves having an HVAC company maintain your furnace. Schedule your HVAC company to send certified HVAC technicians to inspect your system and perform routine maintenance every fall. They’ll change the air filter, replace damaged parts, and clean your unit.

You can also have technicians clean your ducts. Inspecting and cleaning ductwork is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. Holes in your ductwork cause leaks, making it harder for your unit to distribute warm air throughout your home. Your system can also blow contaminants and allergens picked up in dirty ducts throughout your home, affecting your indoor air quality.

How can you ensure your air conditioner’s ready for summer?

Schedule your HVAC company to send their certified HVAC technicians back each spring to maintain your air conditioner. The HVAC techs will perform similar tasks, such as replacing your air filter and cleaning the ducts. They’ll also inspect and clean your air conditioner. They’ll remove any mold growing on your evaporator coil and clean your condenser coil. The techs will also ensure your system isn’t leaking refrigerant.

Are there other ways you’ll benefit from maintaining your HVAC system?

Your ability to adjust your indoor temperature is the primary benefit of having a working HVAC system. However, there are other ways you benefit from biannual HVAC unit maintenance. While it costs money to have certified technicians inspect and maintain your system, you’ll save more money than you spend.

Regular maintenance ensures your system works correctly and extends your HVAC unit’s life, reducing your replacement costs. Also, when your system doesn’t work correctly, it has to work harder to perform its tasks. Suppose you have a hole in your ducts causing air leaks. Your furnace will run more often to try to produce enough hot air to warm your home, causing your energy bills to rise. Routine maintenance also decreases the likelihood your system will break down during a cold snap, which could be costly if you have to vacate your home while waiting for techs to repair or replace your system.

Ensuring your furnace or heat pump’s ready for the cold winter months involves having HVAC technicians maintain your HVAC system. Biannual maintenance ensures you’re ready for the hottest and coldest months of the year.

There are many causes for water damage, and even minor leaks should concern homeowners. If you’re used to renting, you’re probably accustomed to your landlord or property owner handling issues like leaks, but when you own your home, you’ll need to handle issues like this on your own. This can be confusing and intimidating for anyone who has never been responsible for these types of repairs before. Fortunately, there is plenty of information available on and offline that can help you understand what steps to take. Read on to learn more about how you should manage a minor water leak.

How can you repair a minor water leak?

While many homeowners think they can handle minor water leaks on their own, it’s always best to have a professional inspect any potential source of water damage in your home. What you think is a small leak could actually be a sign of a much larger problem, and trying to repair it on your own could cause more extensive damage. Leaks can also be caused by environmental factors, storm damage, or malfunctioning appliances. It can sometimes take some professional expertise to identify what is causing your water leak.

If the source of the leak is your HVAC system, you should have a technician come in and inspect it immediately. Regular preventive maintenance on your system is the best way to prevent issues like leaks or breakdowns. You should always have the system evaluated by a technician once annually and change your filters at least every 90 days. If you’re experiencing consistent issues and breakdowns with your HVAC and the system is over 10 years old, you may need to look into a replacement.

There are several signs of water damage that you should keep an eye out for. Dark or wet spots on your walls and ceilings are an obvious indicator of a potential problem. You may also notice that your paint has cracks, bubbles, or is flaking off. Unexplained puddles or pooling water are another clear sign that something is wrong. You may even hear the sound of dripping or running water without knowing what the reason for it is, which can also cause suspiciously high utility bills.

What are the health risks associated with water damage?

Water damage can create significant risks to the health of anyone living in your household. In standing water, for example, microorganisms can grow and multiply quickly. They can be a fertile breeding ground for all kinds of viruses and bacteria, which can become airborne. In an outdoor environment, the open-air can disperse the pathogens with minimal risk. Indoors, can be concentrated and cause illness when they are inhaled.

Water in your home can also encourage the growth of toxic mold. It can also convert dormant mold spores into an active and growing mold. This can occur even within just a few hours of flooding. Even after the water itself is removed, the process of mold growth will continue. The presence of mold can trigger severe allergic reactions, as well as create conditions that could cause a risk of more serious symptoms.

Given how serious the impact of water damage can be, it’s always worthwhile to investigate even small leaks. Problems that seem minor to you can end up turning into more significant damage that is more expensive to repair. The negative effects on your health should also be a reason to put dealing with a water leak at the top of your priority list. Though it may involve paying for a professional repair, it’s always best to let a professional handle any issues that could potentially affect the condition of your health and your home.