If you haven't inspected your HVAC system lately, you may be missing some vital information. Problems with your HVAC system can lead to the need for costly repairs. Now that winter is almost over, here are some things you should do to protect your air conditioner and furnace.
Get Your HVAC System Off the Ground
When you're taking steps to protect your HVAC system, the first thing you should do is get it up off the ground. Leaving your air conditioner on the ground can expose it to unnecessary damage. Units that are placed on the ground are more susceptible to mud and snow exposure. They're also more likely to suffer from pest damage. Pests can crawl right into your furnace or air conditioner when they're placed on the ground. Not only that, but leaving your HVAC system on the ground makes it easier for dogs to chew through the electrical wires. If your furnace is installed directly on the floor in your garage or basement, it should be moved to a pedestal, as well.
Create a Protective Barrier
If you have a ground-level air conditioner, you need to create a protective barrier around it. Building a small enclosure or planting protective shrubbery around your ground unit will protect it from wind, rain and snow. It's important to note that you shouldn't place your protective barrier right up against your ground unit. You need to give your air conditioner enough room to breathe.
Ensure Proper Space Between Unit and Home
Take a look at your ground level air conditioning unit. If there's not enough space for you to move between the unit and the exterior wall of your home, you need to make some adjustments. Your air conditioner should never be installed too close to your home. The lack of space can reduce ventilation and cause your system to overheat. Not only that, but the heat generated by the unit can increase the heat inside your home during the summer. Talk to your HVAC service company about repositioning your air conditioner if there's not enough space. While you're checking the space around your air conditioner, don't forget to check the area around your furnace too. It needs plenty of space for ventilation, as well.
Keep an Eye on the Rain Gutters
If you have rain gutters on your home, be sure to keep an eye on them, especially the section that is directly above your air conditioner. If your gutters are clogged, rain can drain right down into your air conditioner, causing serious problems. Not only that, but during the winter, the excess water dripping into your air conditioner can cause it to freeze.
Contact an HVAC service for more help.
Share19 February 2019
Can furnace repairs be made by the average DIYer? If you know a little about what you are doing, is it possible to avoid the expense of having a professional come out to take care of any problems that you are having? My blog is all about furnace safety and repair. You will learn a few things that you can do on your own and advice for when to call in the professional repair technician to assist with the repairs. By the time you reach the end, you will have a better understanding of what you can and should not do on your own.
