The Australian summer can be super hot. If you live in Australia, you will want to make sure you can stay cool during the intense heat. I came to realise how important HVAC systems are when I moved into an apartment which didn't have HVAC. It was OK in the winter, but by the summer, it was terrible. I called in an HVAC contractor and asked them to install a new system. It was amazing what a difference it made. The contractor also gave me some advice about how to maintain the system. I hope this blog is useful to you.
Getting your home ready for the winter usually involves a few strategies, including caulking, covering air conditioners, insulating and cleaning out the gutters. It might also involve an inspection of your heating unit, getting out a few extra blankets and buying a box of cocoa. However, there are some things you should never do when you are preparing your home for the cold months of winter.
Service your HVAC
Even if you consider yourself an amateur handyman, you should never attempt to service the HVAC unit on your own. Bring in a professional technician who has experience cleaning and servicing HVAC units and furnaces.
It's equally important not to upgrade your existing HVAC unit until it needs replacement. Your system should last between 15 and 20 years, depending on how well it has been maintained.
Rush Through Your Preparations
If you are winterizing your home, make sure you take the time to do it correctly. A poorly implemented plan won't keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter. For example, don't use plastic to cover air conditioning units that are permanently placed in the walls of your home, and don't forget to clean out the downspouts when you are clearing the gutters of debris.
Wait Until the Last Minute
Even though you are attempting to enjoy the last few days of autumn, don't forget to turn on your heating system prior to the first cold night to make sure it is in good working order. Ideally, you should schedule an inspection and cleaning of your unit before the weather starts to turn cold.
Forget to Switch the Thermostat
Your thermostat is an important part of your heating and cooling system. Before you turn on your heat for the winter, make sure that you switch the thermostat setting from the cooling mode to the heating one.
Rely on Space Heaters
People often rely on secondary pieces of equipment, such as space heaters, to help keep their homes warm. Unfortunately, space heaters don't provide an efficient way to heat large spaces. They also can cause fires if they are positioned too closely to furniture or draperies.
Turn Off the Heat
If you are taking a winter vacation, make sure that you leave the heat on. While it isn't necessary to keep the setting as high as you normally would, you do need to keep the heat on so that your water pipes don't freeze or burst.
As colder weather approaches, you'll want to get your home ready to handle dropping temperatures. Make sure you take this task seriously; consider all of your options and complete each job fully for the best results. Most importantly, schedule an inspection of your HVAC system or furnace to ensure that it is safe to use.
Share16 August 2017
