At Radiant Plumbing and Air, we want you to feel safe and comfortable when you’re operating your home’s heating and cooling equipment. Properly functioning HVAC systems and equipment are important to homeowners across Central Texas, especially during the summer months when extreme temperatures can easily climb into the triple digits.
Not only do we want you to be comfortable running your HVAC equipment in your home, but we also want you to stay safe, too. In our blog, the professional HVAC technicians at Radiant Plumbing and Air provide some of the potential hazards that might develop with your heating and cooling system and what you can do to repair them. For all of your home’s HVAC and insulation needs or for more HVAC safety tips, make sure to call Radiant today!
HVAC Safety Tips for Your Home
When you have a few minutes to spare, take the following steps around your home to make sure your HVAC system and equipment are functioning properly. Not only will these tips keep your system working properly, but they will also ensure that your home stays safe.
Clear your vents
Take a quick walk around your home, and make sure your vents are clear. If you notice that they are covered with dirt and debris, take a little time to clean them. Skipping this step might cause potential health issues over time, especially if you or family members already suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses. To clean your home’s vents, simply unscrew the vent and use a cleaning brush to brush them thoroughly. You may need soap and water if they’re really dirty.
Turn off space heaters and your air conditioner while away
Not setting the proper temperatures may be dangerous. For example, your furnace might always be set to run, but know that your space heaters or even your air conditioning should only be kept on while you’re at home.
Check for leaks
It’s well known that water and electricity can cause an electrical safety issue, so make sure you don’t have any leaks within your HVAC system and equipment. If you do see signs of leaks when you check for them, call your local HVAC technician to come out and take care of the problem, as electrical shock may be possible.
Some of the common signs your A/C is leaking include water around the bottom of the unit, dripping from the system, higher electricity bills, or a loss of cooling power. Performing a repair on any present leaks will increase your home’s electrical safety and lower your rising electricity bills.
Set up smoke detectors
Along with your carbon monoxide detectors, make your smoke detectors are part of your HVAC safety as well. Test them at least once a month, and replace batteries as needed. Such proper maintenance can alert you in the case of a fire or smoke. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
Replace HVAC filters regularly
One of the easiest ways to avoid issues with your heating and air conditioning system and equipment is to regularly change the unit’s filter, typically every 90 days or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your air filter is covered with dirt and debris, it’s time to replace it. Failing to replace your filter causes the unit to work harder, which may lead to wear and tear that results in repairs and potentially even premature replacement of the unit.
Clear space around the outdoor unit
Your outdoor A/C condenser unit should be free of any debris, leaves, or branches. When the unit is filled with dirt and debris, it’s harder for heat to be released, which results in higher energy consumption, inefficient cooling, and frequent repairs.
Inspect your air ducts
According to Energy Star, most homes lose 20 to 30% of conditioned air through the duct system because of leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Some of the signs that your ducts are losing air include higher energy bills, stuffy rooms that are uncomfortable, and rooms that are difficult to heat and cool, according to Energy Star. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact the professional HVAC technicians at Radiant Plumbing and Air to inspect your ducts.
Call Radiant for Your Home HVAC Service
For more HVAC safety precautions and tips, get in touch with Radiant Plumbing and Air. For more information on the HVAC services we provide, make sure to give our company a call at 833-656-4056, or book an appointment online. For all of your HVAC system and equipment issues, we’re the only company you need to know!
