Staying warm should be one of your main goals as winter approaches. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit’s sole purpose is to assist with the heating, cooling and ventilation of your home. Some HVAC units include air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and electric heaters.
Your HVAC unit should provide thermal comfort for you and your family. If your HVAC parts are not working properly to keep you warm throughout the winter – and icicles are growing on your noses and windowsills – here are a few troubleshooting tips you can try before calling an expert technician.
Ensure the HVAC Unit Is Powered On
If your HVAC unit does not appear to be working, one of the most important first steps is to check if the machine has power. Flip the power switch on your inside and/or outside unit. This might seem obvious; however, it is sometimes overlooked.
Maintain a Clean HVAC System
Before winter begins, ensure that your HVAC system is clean. A clean HVAC system optimizes your home’s air quality and temperature. You can take some simple steps to clean your HVAC unit and ensure it stays in good working order. They include:
- Dusting and wiping down the area around it
- Cleaning the vents and registers
- Changing or cleaning the filters
Although you can do your own basic at-home cleaning, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do routine cleanings at least once yearly. Canada HVAC can put you in touch with expert technicians who have the skills and tools to service specific HVAC parts, check for damage and provide a thorough and accurate inspection of your unit.
Repair Any Leaking Ductwork
Your HVAC system’s ducts transport fresh, conditioned air to the various areas of your home. Make a point to examine your ducts for any holes, tears or worn-out joints and repair them immediately. A damaged and leaking duct increases your energy bills, creates airflow fluctuations and generally wastes air, energy and money.
You can take the following steps to locate leaks:
- Turn off your HVAC machine
- Check for discolouration
- Seal off air registers and returns
- Find leaks using a smoke machine or a smoke pencil
You can repair a duct by sealing its holes or torn areas with duct mastic sealant. Then, wrap the duct with R6 foil-backed insulation and fasten it with foil-backed or metal duct tape. Repairing leaking ductwork will significantly improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit.
Install a Smart (Programmable) Thermostat
A smart thermostat will help you stay warm this winter and is an excellent addition to your HVAC system. Smart thermostats let you closely control and gauge the temperature your HVAC unit maintains. If you do not have a thermostat installed in your home, an array of smart thermostats is available at HVAC Canada.
Once your thermostat is installed and in use, it is important to maintain and service it. A faulty or damaged thermostat can cause irregularities in your HVAC’s airflow. Therefore, it is essential to service your thermostat and check for damages routinely.
Hire a Professional
The above troubleshooting tips can help ensure your home stays cozy this winter. However, if you don’t have time or would rather not do the work yourself, contact the professionals at Canada HVAC.
Canada HVAC is a licensed supplier of HVAC products. We can also connect you with experienced HVAC installation and parts repair professionals. Call us at 833-226-4822 or fill out our contact form to consult our agents about your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs.
