With daily temperatures in the 90s and even triple digits, you need to make sure your air conditioner is working properly. You can do this by regularly scheduling preventive maintenance.
This service includes inspection and cleaning of equipment components. It also involves lubricating moving parts, tightening electrical connections and checking the thermostat.
Air Filter Replacement
Air filters are responsible for removing dust, pollen and other debris from the indoor air in homes and businesses. When these particles are clogged, they can cause air conditioning system problems such as lowered efficiency and high monthly energy bills. By regularly replacing air filters, you can ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively and efficiently.
Your air conditioner’s filter should be replaced every 30 days (or 90 days for non-pleated filters) in order to keep it operating at optimum performance. Depending on your home environment and other factors, you may need to replace your filter more often. Changing your air filter is one of the simplest maintenance tasks that you can perform on your own and it should be done at least once a month.
An experienced professional will help you select the proper filter for your specific HVAC system. They can advise you on everything from the type of filter that will work best for your needs to the ideal air filter size for your home or business. They can also check your refrigerant level to make sure it is within manufacturer specifications. Too much or too little refrigerant will damage the moving parts of your air conditioner and can lead to a system failure.
You should also clean the outside of your air conditioning unit regularly to remove any dirt or debris that has collected on the fan blades and compressor coils. This will keep the unit free from rust and corrosion, which can lead to expensive repairs.
While you’re cleaning the unit, make sure that your ductwork is properly sealed and insulated to prevent leaks. This will help your air conditioning system run more efficiently and it will also provide a healthier environment for you and your family.
Ductwork Cleaning
When it comes to home maintenance, most people think of cleaning floors, dusting furniture and changing air filters. While these measures are certainly helpful, ductwork cleaning is just as important for a clean home and healthy family. In fact, dirty ducts can reduce indoor air quality to the point of health risks and shortened HVAC equipment lifespan.
Over time, ductwork collects layers of dirt, mildew, fungus and other contaminants. This debris is then circulated throughout the building, creating a cycle of contamination that affects the entire space. Duct cleaning services remove these pollutants, restoring the ductwork to its original condition.
Many duct cleaners offer different methods of cleaning, including power brushing, air washing and vacuuming. Some companies even employ a combination of these techniques. For example, they might use electric-powered rotation bristle brushes to loosen the debris, then vacuum it up with HEPA-filtered equipment. This type of proactive approach to ductwork cleaning significantly improves indoor air quality.
Typically, a duct cleaning service will begin with an inspection, often using a video camera that extends into the ducts. Once this has been done, the technician will seal each of the air registers in the house, creating negative pressure that sucks dust out of the vent openings. Then, they will use a powerful vacuum device to clean out the entire system.
A good duct cleaning service will also inspect the entire HVAC system for signs of mold and vermin. If they find any, they will send a sample to a lab for testing to see if it’s toxic. Some types of mildew and mold release dangerous spores, requiring additional remediation work to be completed.
When selecting a duct cleaning company, be sure to look for one that follows the standards established by industry associations such as NADCA. Also, check if the company is licensed to work in your state. A licensed professional is likely to comply with local regulations regarding air pollution and other safety issues. Finally, be wary of companies that advertise cheap specials for duct cleaning. It’s unlikely that any reputable duct cleaning company can perform an in-depth, thorough job for just three hours.
Ductwork Inspection
When you have a problem with air flow, temperature or humidity, the ductwork may be to blame. This is because ducts collect dust, dirt and other contaminants over time. When the furnace or air conditioner comes on, this filth gets blown into the living space.
A professional duct inspection is the best way to see what’s going on inside the ducts. They can look at the vents and registers to see if there’s any visible dust or debris. They can also use a smoke pencil to find leaks around duct seams. This is a simple test that can help save you money on energy bills.
If you’re in the process of buying a home, a ductwork inspection can help you avoid any hidden issues before you move in. A professional can run a video camera through the ducts to check for damage or leaks that you might not be able to see with a flashlight or a mirror. This is important because leaking ducts waste energy and make your home less comfortable.
In addition to looking for problems with the ductwork system, a professional can inspect the outdoor unit and drain line. They can also test the insulation for moisture or mold. These are important things to keep in mind because if they’re present, they can affect indoor air quality and cause health issues for your family.
Many companies will conduct a visual inspection before cleaning the ducts. They’ll go into crawl spaces, attics and basements to look for obvious signs of damage or problems with the ductwork. This can include clanging sounds or odd smells. The visual inspection can also help a technician identify areas where more work needs to be done.
A duct inspection can also reveal if the ducts are made from asbestos. Asbestos was once widely used in the building industry, but it’s now considered toxic and can cause a number of health issues. It’s important to have a duct inspection before moving into a new home to ensure that you don’t inhale asbestos fibers. If you do, it could lead to respiratory problems.
Ductwork Repair
A home’s ductwork delivers conditioned air to different rooms and areas in the house. It also returns conditioned air back to the HVAC system for more heating or cooling.
Ducts need regular cleaning and repair to maintain proper function and prevent problems like leaking, which leads to wasted energy. Many factors influence the cost of repairing ductwork, including location and type of work. The older a duct is, the more likely it is to require repairs or replacement. Its location can also influence repair costs, with exposed ducts usually costing less to fix than those in hard-to-reach places like crawl spaces.
Holes and cracks in ductwork cause conditioned air to leak out of your home, wasting energy and money. In addition, the holes can bring indoor contaminates into your home, such as dust and pet dander. Leaking ducts can also contribute to poor indoor air quality and aggravate conditions like asthma and allergies.
Homeowners typically pay between $450 and $2,000 to make ductwork rodent-proof, removing rodents from the ducts and sealing them. The fees include pest control services to remove rodents from the ducts and a ductwork specialist or HVAC contractor to fix damage and install special vent covers, grilles, or mesh screens to protect against future infestations.
Other ductwork repair options include replacing loose sections and sealing leaks. Professionals can use mastic sealant and aluminum tape to seal the joints and cover holes. In addition, they can use a tool called an anemometer to measure air flow.
Another option is to insulate ductwork. While it is not necessary in all homes, it can help reduce energy bills. In addition, homeowners can receive a rebate for duct insulation from Duke Energy.
Other repair options may include replacing ductwork, which is often more expensive than fixing leaks or sealing holes. A duct replacement may be required if the ducts are badly damaged or worn, showing signs of bacterial growth, or not properly installed.
