Maintain, Retain: HVAC Maintenance and Performance

While cars have relatively long service life spans, they nonetheless require regular maintenance in order to keep working properly. The same thing could be said of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which similarly run on motors with delicate parts. Something as simple as dirt can severely affect HVAC performance, especially if the grime manages to build up considerably over time.

Skimping on maintenance can have disastrous effects on an HVAC system. The system could suffer from poor energy efficiency simply due to clogged air flow and compromised components. Worn parts could also lower HVAC performance, and could potentially cause even more damage to the entire assembly. There's also the risk of health hazards due to gas leaks, which no homeowner can afford to disregard.

All things considered, it becomes imperative to be consistent with the upkeep of your HVAC system to keep it in good condition. Regular cleaning and replacement of filters can help prevent problems arising from dust buildup, and likewise maintain HVAC efficiency. For more serious performance issues, don’t hesitate to call on an HVAC repair professional for thorough inspection and repair services. This way, your home can stay comfortably cool or warm depending throughout the year.

Types of Home Heating System

Home heating systems are used to keep a house warm and to maintain a comfortable temperature during the cold season. If you plan to install one, there are a variety of models in the market with each having different heating capacities and sources.

Electric Resistance Heating

An electric resistance heating system converts almost 100 percent of electrical energy into heat. However, only about 30 percent of coal and gas (the primary source of electrical energy) are actually transformed into electrical energy thus making it more expensive than other types of heating systems. Some types of electric resistance heaters are electric furnaces, electric radiant heaters and electric space heaters.

Active Solar Heating

This type of heating system uses solar energy that can be stored in batteries and later used to heat the house. In situations where the system isn't able to directly provide adequate energy to suit the household requirements, the energy stored in the batteries is used.

Furnaces and Boilers

The most common type of home heating systems are furnaces and boilers. Furnaces distribute heated air in the house by using ducts, while boilers heat water for the showers and sinks, and produce steam, too. Hot water is distributed by a baseboard radiator or a radiant floor system, and steam passes through pipes into steam radiators.

Tips on Cleaning Your HVAC Ducts

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC system is one of the most important equipment in your home as it keeps you warm in winter and cool during the summer. To serve its purpose when you need it most, you have to keep it clean and free of contaminants at all times. Here are some important tips on cleaning your HVAC ductwork.

Clean all your AC and heater's vents with your vacuum cleaner. Carefully remove the screws that hold the vent covers in place. All screws (two or four, depending on the make) should be visible enough for you to completely remove the cover. If you are removing a cover from the ceiling, stay out of the way of falling dust.

Dust out your vents by placing the vaccum's long, flexible hose attachment into each vent and suck out any dust and debris. Make the cleaning as efficient as you can by extending the hose's reach as far as you can. Make sure to empty your vacuum bag of dirt every time it fills up as you go through all the vents in your house.

Wash the vent cover with hot water and an efficient kitchen cleaning detergent. Use a clean rag to go over the entire surface of the cover to make sure that you clean all of its nooks and crannies. After drying, carefully set each cover back in place.