Things to Look for When the Season Changes

The changing seasons can be an exciting time. Either you’re excited to break out the skis and toboggans, or you’re even more excited to break out the shorts and tank tops. But the change of seasons can be a crucial time for your heating and air conditioning too, as you start up a particular system that may not have had any use in nine or ten months. Here are some things to look for when you first flip the switch.

• Does It Turn On? This may seem like an obvious one, but it is the first step in diagnosing any problem. In fact, it may be a good idea to try turning on the heating or air conditioning unit well before you think you’ll need it, as a test. That way you can schedule a visit from your local heating and air conditioning repair service when it’s still temperate outside.

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• Is Anything Different? Once you’ve established that the unit does turn on, be alert for any changes in its operation. New or unusually loud noises can indicate a mechanical problem. An odor that wasn’t there before can be a sign of mold or fungus in the vents, which can accumulate when HVAC units are not used for long periods. And once the unit has been running for a while, check its efficiency around the house. Are there any spots that don’t change temperature? Take note of every discrepancy. (And always make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are installed correctly and functioning. Carbon monoxide does not give off a warning odor, but it can be deadly.)

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• Are Your Energy Bills Higher? It’s a good idea to start keeping a record of your average energy bills across the whole season, and even from month to month. Comparing those numbers to early-use numbers in the present season can let you know if your heating or air conditioning unit is functioning at peak efficiency. A gradual increase of energy costs is natural over the life of your unit. A drastic spike could signal a more serious problem.

Many heating and air conditioning repair services offer pre-season inspections, so you can find any minor problems before they become major problems at the most inopportune time. But whether or not you have an inspection, it’s a good idea to jot down the phone numbers of a couple different heating and air conditioning repair services someplace easy to find if things do go wrong. Here’s to your comfort! Read more articles like this.