House res seem to be everyone’s main concern, and it should be. It is probably the most common mishap caused by faulty HVAC systems. Your concern shouldn’t stop there, however. There are also silent killers like carbon monoxide emissions that can be creeping into your home. You can perform a safe and cursory external examination on your home if you like, but anything past that should be handled by an HVAC expert.
If you decide on doing a quick inspection on your home, be sure that the power supply to the HVAC system is turned o! We cannot caution this enough! HVAC systems have electrical components and should be treated with the utmost caution. Remember, you’re basically visually glancing at the system, you’re not touching or fiddling with any of the equipment. Your first hint that you should get an in-depth inspection from an HVAC expert would be if you see a large amount of soot buildup.
HVAC experts can clean and inspect your system safely and more thoroughly than you can. Once the inspection is complete, they should be able to tell you any issues that arose, and what you can do to rectify them. If you should choose to x the issues, they should be able to x them at the same time. They can also advise whether the system is old and needs to be replaced for optimal efficiency and safety.
There are other steps you can personally take to ensure your home is safe for the heating season. First, ensure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home have fresh batteries and are operational. Next, clear any obstructions that may be blocking vents or intakes. Verify your house is insulated properly. Check for gaps in windows and doors. If you find gaps, you can use weather stripping or caulk to plug any openings. You can also install energy- efficient double pane windows. If you cannot afford new windows, you can use heavy tapestries or curtains in the to block out the cold and retain the heat inside your home.
Since HVAC systems can be so volatile, it’s no surprise that many government and insurance agencies require that your HVAC system be inspected annually in order for you to be reimbursed should something happen. Be safe and ecient, and be condent knowing that your HVAC expert can ensure your home and family are both. The optimum time to get an inspection done would be mid to late fall (colder climates may need to get this done earlier) as this will give you ample time to rectify any issues before the heating season begins.
