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How to Learn About Heating & Air
by Kristan Hart
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Overview
Maintaining the heating and air conditioning unit in your home is important to keep the unit running as long and as efficiently as possible. Simple maintenance along the way could potentially add years to the life of your heating and air conditioning unit. As you consider how to learn about heating and air, you can find maintenance techniques that will save you time and money every season.
Maintenance tips for the heating and air unit in your home.
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Step 1
Bring in a professional to inspect your heater and air conditioner annually every fall or every spring. Before turning your unit on in the winter and in the summer, you'll be able to identify potential problems that need addressing before the heating or cooling season hits.
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Step 2
Ask your heating and cooling professional to clean your unit. Removing soot and other debris in your HVAC closet and on the unit itself will help your heating and air unit to operate efficiently.
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Step 3
Seal joints in your ductwork with UL-approved duct tape. This will help seal any potential locations where air could escape into your crawl space or attic.
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Step 4
Calibrate the thermometer in your thermostat. Using a wrench, adjust the nut on the back of the mercury switch to turn the system on. Use a room thermometer to find the temperature in the room, and then set your thermostat to the correct temperature. This is not necessary if you have an electric thermostat.
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Step 5
Unplug your in-duct humidifier once you turn your heater off for the season. When you unplug your humidifier, you should also shut off the water valve and drain the unit. If your humidifier has a reservoir, clean it with vinegar. Neglecting your in-duct humidifier could cause a buildup of mildew and bacteria in your system.
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Step 6
Change the filter on your HVAC system before and after every heating and cooling season, or four times a year. Some manufacturers even recommend you change your filters every month. You can also use reminder prompts from your electronic thermostat to guide you about when to change your air filters.
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Step 7
Enlist a professional to clean your ducts. Check some of your supply and return registers in your house to see if your ducts need cleaning. If they're dirty, have them cleaned. If they're not dirty, make a note to check after the next season.
