Spring 2011

Simple Reasons Not to Neglect AC Maintenance

Especially if you’ve just had a new air conditioning unit installed, it’s tempting to assume the system is working fine and leave it alone. After all, you just spent a good deal of money on that state of the art system. Why spend even more to have someone check for problems that likely don’t exist?

This line of reasoning seems to make sense. But the truth is that the better you are at keeping up with regular maintenance on your AC system, the more you’ll save in the long run on your energy bills and the longer your system will last.

What Goes into Good AC Maintenance?

The problem is that a lot of people don’t understand what actually goes into regular air conditioning maintenance. Sure, changing out air filters is an important part of it, but there’s actually a lot more involved in keeping an AC system functioning properly.

The cooling coil needs to be cleaned thoroughly at least once a year. Without this type of attention, the coil is sure to accumulate sediment and debris which in turn impedes its ability to cool the air that passes across it.

The dirtier your cooling coil is, the harder your air conditioner must work to keep your home cool. And if your air conditioner is working harder, it’s using more energy and costing you more each month on your cooling bill.

But really the increased monthly cooling costs will be the least of your concerns if you don’t get your AC unit the proper care it needs each year. That’s because regular maintenance also allows a technician to thoroughly inspect your system for any damaged parts, leaks or cracks that could put more strain on the unit or cause it to break down entirely in the near future.

This type of preventative work is the best way to ensure that you won’t have to call for emergency repairs. Problems can often be caught early, even before they start to show symptoms. And even if repairs are required, they’ll be much less expensive than if the problem was allowed to develop further and affect other parts of your home comfort system.

Since an AC system is so expensive to purchase and have installed, you want to make sure it lasts for a good long time. Regular maintenance visits are the best way to ensure that your system continues to work well for its expected lifespan and potentially longer. After all, the longer your system lasts, the less you will have paid each year, and that cost savings will more than pay for the yearly maintenance visits.

 

Two Easy Ways to Get More Years Out of Your Hot Water Heater

A hot water heater can break down for a number of reasons, but with proper maintenance, you’ll cut out almost all potential problems before they can occur.

One of the first things to take into account when you’re worried about how long your water heater will last is the hardness of your water. The term hardness refers to how much of certain minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, is dissolved in your water. A moderate amount of these minerals is fine, but when the concentrations become excessive, the water can actually damage many parts of your plumbing system, and that includes your water heater.

The damage from hard water comes from a buildup of minerals inside your tank and the pipes that flow into and out of your water heater. This buildup will eventually make it impossible for your water heater to function properly and will probably shorten the life of your equipment. If you discover you have hard water in your home, the best thing to do is install a water softening system to get those minerals out before they cause you bigger problems.

Cleaning and Part Maintenance

Even if you don’t have hard water, you should still protect your water heater from sediment buildup. All that really means is draining your tank and getting inside to clear out anything that’s accumulated in the bottom. The frequency of these cleanings really depends on how much builds up in your tank and how quickly it happens, but a good rule of thumb is to clean it twice a year.

You can reduce the stress on your water heater and even your entire plumbing system by having a Pressure Regulating Valve installed in your home. This helps a lot if water comes into your home at high pressure. Regulating that water pressure will reduce the stress on your water heater and help it work well for longer.

Of course, no matter what steps you take on your own, it’s always a good idea to have a professional come in once a year to inspect your water heater and perform thorough maintenance on your system.

During one of these checkups, a certified technician will inspect your entire water heating system to make sure it is functioning properly and free of debris. They will also clean out any sediment or residue that built up and replace any parts that aren’t functioning properly or that are showing signs of wear.

While you may think that your water heater is working fine, it won’t be able to function as efficiently without regular maintenance. Taking a few easy steps now will have a significant impact on the lifespan of your water heater.