How to Keep Your Home Heating and Cooling Systems In Good Working Order

Anyone who has had either a heating or cooling system malfunction knows just how inconvenient it can be. Aside from the cost of repairs, going any length of time without heat or air conditioning can make for some pretty uncomfortable family members.

Heating and cooling generally consist of an air conditioner for the cooling part and a furnace for the heat. And while the homeowner isn’t expected to fix serious problems or faulty installation, there are some things you can do to ensure both systems are always in good working order.

Watch for Dirt It may sound a little too simple, but dirt is a major issue when it comes to home heating

and cooling systems. Keeping an eye open for dirt buildup can help you save fuel and improve the efficiency of either system.

Dirt will affect every component of the system, so it’s imperative that you perform regular cleaning maintenance, which includes checking and changing filters. Dirty air filters block the flow of air and will always reduce the efficiency of your system. New air filters don’t cost much and are extremely easy to replace. Try to get on a once-per-month replacement schedule and you should always have a filter that’s working at full capacity.

Other elements that you can see and reach such as vents will also benefit from a good dusting when you notice a buildup. No one wants to end up paying more than they have on their energy bill, so it really makes sense to do the little things you actually have control over.

System Checks While the average homeowner isn’t going to start dismantling air

conditioning units or furnaces, there are a few checks you can do if your unit isn’t functioning properly or at all.

If the cooling or heating isn’t running, look to ensure you have power. Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers at the main panel. If the furnace has its own panel or its own fuses, take a look at them, too.

If there is a reset button close to the motor housing, let the motor cool down for around 30 minutes, then press the rest button. Try it a couple times if it doesn’t start up the first time.

Check that any additional power switches are turned on and that the thermostat is set correctly. If it is a gas unit, check to ensure the pilot light is lit and you have the gas supply turned on.

Important Safety PrecautionsIf you are a homeowner who is going to tinker with your system and get right in there, it’s important to take some safety precautions before you do.

Make sure the power is turned off by removing the fuse or tripping the circuit breaker at

the main electrical panel.

Don’t try to perform any repairs that require removing moving parts of the unit.

Check to see if the furnace has a separate panel, and then remove the fuses or trip the breaker in there if it does.

Know When to Call an Expert Naturally, there are going to be times when even the most skilled do-it-

yourselfer won’t be able to fix the problem. Here are some of the common problems you might face with your heating and cooling systems that require expert help: Repeated Power Loss – If your circuits are tripping or fuses are blowing repeatedly, the

electrical system likely has a problem that is best handled by a professional.

Smell of Gas – If you have a gas furnace and you smell gas inside the house, don’t try to do anything at all. Simply gather up all your family members, leave the house and call the fire department or gas company. Make sure to leave the door open on your way out.

Leaks – Your cooling system isn’t going to work right if you have a refrigerant leak, and a trained technician will have to come in and fix it for you.

Poorly Sealed Ducts – The air ducts in your home must be properly insulated to prevent losing cool or warm air. If you feel that you might be losing air through ducts, call in an expert to find out and fix it for you.

Make an effort to have your heating and cooling system serviced once per year. If possible, have both systems checked at the end of the heating season.

Know When to Call an Expert (con’t)