HVAC Maintenance – Experts and Homeowners Alike

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We can smell various odours all around us. Some are pleasant while some are a bit irritating and annoying to the nose. However, if there are unusual smells emitted by your HVAC system, it likely indicates a need for repair. You will have to call in an HVAC technician to do the job.

If for example, your HVAC unit smells like spoiled eggs, this could be an indication of a petroleum gas spill. Petroleum gas spill is very dangerous as it might cause fires and some health hazards due to its smell and chemical composition. Try not to do anything with it. Instead, turn off your HVAC system to prevent the situation from worsening. Never mess around with gas because the outcome could be disastrous.

You might also consider checking your ventilation unit once yearly by opening one of your HVAC system’s air registers and checking for mold, dust, and other contaminants with the help of an electric lamp.

The objective of HVAC are to control the temperature of air inside the designated “Air Conditioned” space along with control of moisture, filtration of air and containment of air borne particles, supply of outside fresh air for control of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the air conditioned space, and finally control of the movement of air or draught. All these factors comprise of a successful HVAC system. Air conditioning has changed over the years from just cooling of a space to the effective control of all the above parameters.

HVAC has its history in 1851 when Dr. John Gorrie was granted a US patent for a refrigerating machine. Though refrigeration in that period was concerned with the preservation of frozen meat for transport and making of ice, gradually the concept of cooling for comfort arose. In 1902, the New York Stock Exchange was one of the first air conditioned buildings.

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If there are spider webs, molds, dust, contaminants, and droppings from pests and other insects or animals, have the system and ductwork cleaned by an expert as soon as possible to prevent having more problems. That way, dust and mold growth won’t affect your home ventilation or trigger medical issues. You may even have to call in an exterminator to get rid of pests and insects that also call your home their own homes.

Scents aren’t the only indicators of HVAC systems. If ever you hear hurrying sounds coming from your system or notice that your utilities begin to rise, it can indicate that you have bugs or pests in your ventilation unit. There might also be a broken part or other issues that only HVAC pros can identify.

If your HVAC unit has trouble starting up, you may be experiencing ignition problems. Pilot lights, igniters, and certain electrical components may need to be replaced. You can troubleshoot these issues yourself by understanding which parts your HVAC unit uses. While a professional may need to be called in to replace the part, you can save time and money by making the diagnosis yourself.

You can have the most modern and robust air conditioning system available, but dirty filters can negatively impact the way the unit works. Common HVAC problems usually stem from a lack of air conditioning system maintenance, and failing to change your filters often enough can negatively impact your HVAC unit’s performance. Clean filters allow the air to circulate better and help your home cool down quicker.

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We all feel the need to do things on our own especially with regards to the things that are dear to us. Our HVAC system is an important fixture in our life. We may encounter a lot of HVAC problems and while we may be able to deal with some of these things ourselves, there are some problems that need expert assistance. However, it would help a lot if you are able to diagnose some of these usual issues yourself. You’ll be able to save time, money, and effort having to set an appointment with a professional and get the repair for your HVAC unit faster if you are able to answer their questions promptly.

You should check the obvious parts of the ventilation unit in your basement or loft for openings, holes and have them fixed the soonest time possible to save energy and prolong your HVAC system’s life.

Learn about the basics of HVAC by checking out this video: