Are you one of those homeowners who like to save money by doing their own maintenance when possible? You may even think you would want to carry out the work on your HVAC system by yourself. It doesn’t seem to be all that hard; does it? However, you should not attempt to do this! Even if you have excellent skills, you can still damage your heating and cooling system, which will severely affect your home.
DIY Versus Hiring Professional HVAC Maintenance Mercer County NJ
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We will now discuss why it is so important to hire an experienced HVAC specialist when your heating and cooling system needs maintenance.
There are a few tasks that a homeowner may be able to handle alone, but you should leave the majority of the work to professional HVAC contractors.
Changing The Filter On Your Heating & Cooling System
You should change the HVAC filter frequently. Dirty and clogged air filters will be hard on your HVAC system and will make it less efficient over the long run. Also, a dirty filter will mean the system will require repairs more often, and the components will wear out faster. That causes the system to have a shorter lifespan as it will have to work more forcefully.
Besides, leaving a dirty air filter in your system means the quality of the air in your home will deteriorate the longer you go without changing it. The filter should be replaced or washed every month, depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer and your home. As a good rule of thumb, check your filter monthly and replace when necessary.
Keep The Area Around The HVAC System Tidy
Keeping the area near your central HVAC unit clean is essential. You can perform some of this maintenance yourself. By keeping the area clean, you will help prevent dirt and dust from getting inside the system.
It is also important to note that you can also help reduce your cost of energy by making sure that all your doors and windows are sealed properly. Any other maintenance tasks should be carried out by professionals.
It Is Cost-Effective To Hire Professionals To Service Your Home HVAC System
There are several reasons why it is cost-effective to use a trained HVAC professional to service your unit. Maintenance should be scheduled once each summer for the air conditioner while the furnace or the heat pump should be checked once each winter. If all is well with your unit, each visit should last an hour.
A professional service technician will check out all the HVAC connections and systems in your home. They will make sure the system is working correctly. Every aspect of your system has components that should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. When servicing the air conditioning system in your home, be sure the HVAC company addresses the following tasks:
- The motor voltage and amperage of the blower should be measured
- Calibration and testing of the thermostat
- An inspection of the condenser coil, indoor coil, and bearing
- A check of the refrigerant pressures
- A flush of the condensate drain
- The entire system should be checked to ensure it operates properly
The heating system tune-up should include:
- An inspection for proper venting & carbon monoxide leaks
- The ignition and exhaust system should be inspected and checked for safety
- The return and supply differential ought to be measured
- A test of the control and safety circuits
- Inspect & adjust fan belts
- Heat exchangers and burners should be cleaned and inspected
Professional technicians should carry out these tasks because they have the proper tools and the right training to do it properly. They are up to date on all the new techniques because they take training periodically and are certified. They know what they need to watch out for and they know how to fix problems they encounter. You can try to inspect your home HVAC unit, but you will probably not know what to look for.
HVAC Safety Concerns To Consider
The issues become even more dangerous when you attempt to do repairs or extensive maintenance of the HVAC units by yourself. The air conditioner contains many electrical components in addition to using a refrigerant. If you wire the system incorrectly, you can cause an electrical fire.
Your heating system can have even more danger lurking. Furnaces that run on electricity are not common, but it is common for furnaces to use natural gas or other kinds of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are combustible. A small error can cause an explosion leading to severe injuries or even death. Another danger is from a build-up of carbon monoxide that can occur due to improper repairs or from cracks you don’t notice. Is it worth it to risk the lives of your family to save money? The answer is no.
In Conclusion
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today to get high quality, reliable servicing of your heating and cooling system.
Our technical staff are experienced and knowledgeable and can identify any attention that your HVAC system needs to be more efficient and make your home more comfortable. We offer top quality HVAC services such as tune-ups, repairs, and installations at very reasonable prices. Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning now to make an appointment. We provide in-home consultations for free. Call us today!
Some of the areas we service include Allentown, Bordentown, Florence, Trenton, and these zip codes: 08501, 08505, 08518, 08601 as well as all surrounding areas in Mercer County, NJ.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!