What You Should Know Concerning Heating And Air Conditioning

By Adriana Noton


For most people, a comfortable temperature range lies between 68 and 74 degrees. However, in most locations, nature does not seem to cooperate. Outside temperatures might be well below freezing or scorching hot. While most modern homes are insulated, without the help of heating and air conditioning, residents quickly become uncomfortable.

While cooling the house to a comfortable temperature is a newer concept, warming is a practice that has been used for many years. From an open fire in the days of the cave man to colonial fireplaces to potbellied stoves and finally to modern furnaces, man has striven to keep warm for centuries. Most modern furnaces use electricity, fuel oil, natural gas or other convenient fuels to keep homes warm and comfortable. Central HVAC units provide can warm homes in the winter and cool them in the summer.

Forced air systems heat or cool the air using a blower that circulates air through the home. During summers, air is cooled by passing through refrigerated coils. In the winter it is heated by the system. In addition to warming and cooling the air, the system includes a filter that cleans the air passing through.

For greatest efficiency, forced air systems need regular maintenance. Without maintenance, systems begin to lose efficiency. The result for the occupants of the home is that utility bills start to increase. Many times consumers that do not maintain their systems will spend far more in increased utility cost than they would have paid for annual maintenance.

The home's occupants should complete some of the maintenance. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that filters are changed on a regular schedule. Dirty filters inhibit airflow, one of the primary reasons that units lose efficiency. The task is easy enough for most homeowners to do without assistance. The old filter slides out of place and a new one replaces it. In addition, homeowners will want to ensure that the area surrounding the condenser unit outside the home remains free of leaves, weeds and debris that could block its airflow.

An HVAC technician should service the forced air unit at least once annually. During the maintenance services, the technician checks the system to ensure a balanced level of refrigerant. If necessary, additional refrigerant will be added. In addition, the mechanics of the system will be checked and the coils may be cleaned for better performance.

If a system suddenly stops working, the first step is to check the circuit breakers. If tripped, reset by turning to the off position, waiting a few seconds and turning back on. If the unit refuses to start or the circuit trips a second time, occupants should call for service from a HVAC company. These companies can restore comfort to the home.

Heating and air conditioning systems have advanced a long way from fireplaces and wood stoves. These modern units keep the house warm without all the work of cutting and splitting wood. In addition, they provide a cleaner way to keep the home comfortable. Maintaining the units ensures that it operates in an efficient manner.




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