HELPFUL MIGHTYSERV HVAC TIPS
Advice from Our San Fernando Valley Heating & Cooling Experts
Your HVAC system is a sophisticated and essential part of your home. It’s easy to go about your life and forget that you even have an HVAC system at all, and we like that! If you can live your life and ignore your system, that means you’re comfortable, and it’s working.
However, just like your other home systems, your vehicle, and your body, your HVAC system requires upkeep and attention sometimes. We’ll explore all of your DIY and Routine Care options here, and fill you in on the moments when it’s a good idea to call in the pros, too.
Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
HVAC tune-ups are especially important to keep your system in good condition. Little things like dirt and dust buildup can have a devastating effect – they are the cause of 90% of all system failures. Just having the system cleaned on a regular basis can prevent thousands of dollars of repair or replacement expenses and keep you breathing in cleaner air.
All machines need regular maintenance to keep them running their best. Your heating and cooling systems are no different, though the frequency and maintenance will depend on the type of system you have.
It’s important to inspect or check for:
- Leaks
- Corrosion
- Frayed wires
- Blowers
- Coils
- Gas lines and meters
Maintenance saves you money in the long run by helping your system run better and cleaner, which keeps your home more comfortable and healthy.
Air Quality & Home Safety Tips
Unclean air is everywhere — out in the world, and inside your home. Dust, airborne debris, allergens and other toxins come into your home through your vents, and are generated within the home. These air pollutants are bad for your system, bad for your home, and bad for your health!
When your MightyServ technician comes in for a repair or inspection, we’ll make sure your machine, air ducts, and vents are as clean as possible but there are things you can do to help keep your air clean (and safe!) too.
- Change Your Filters – Your air filter doesn’t capture everything, but it can have a tremendous impact on the cleanliness of your air as it passes to and through your system. Replace your air filter as often as recommended — which varies depending on the brand, the type of filter, and your lifestyle. It’s good practice to change them every 60 days, if not more often.
- Pro Tip: Make sure you are using the proper size and weight of filter for your home and system. We can help with this!
- Maintain Your CO Detector – Does your home have a Carbon Monoxide Detector? Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is harmful, if not fatal, to humans and pets. It’s somewhat rare, but CO can leak into your home through your gas appliances and cause big trouble.
- Watch Your Humidity Levels – Humidity can be a problem in both directions. Low humidity happens in arid places (like Southern California). Dryness can cause problems for people and pets from dry and cracking skin to dry eyes and stiff joints. Dry air can also cause cracking and contraction within the home, which could damage your walls, floors, or furniture. Overly humid air is just as bad, as high humidity can cause respiratory issues, peeling and softening of materials within the home, wood rot, and even mold.
- Remove & Prevent Mold – Mold and moisture can be devastating to your home and your health. Mold doesn’t grow inside unless there is moisture to help it. Too much mold can cause allergic reactions or worse health problems if not treated properly. If you find mold, it’s very important to not only clean and remove the mold but to find the source of the moisture and correct the problem. If whatever caused the water and moisture buildup remains, the mold is likely to return until the problem is completely fixed.
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Why MightyServ?
- Over 60 Years in Business
- Nate-Certified Technicians
- Family Owned & Operated
- Cutting-Edge Technology
- Experts in Aeroseal Technology
- Competitive, Upfront Pricing
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Energy Saving HVAC Tips
Nearly half of a utility bill goes to paying for the heating and cooling of a home. With such a large portion, it’s important to find energy savings wherever you can.
Keeping your equipment in good shape is one easy way to do this. Other fixes are simple things you can do day in and day out to save energy – and therefore, save money.
- Curb Temperature Over-Steering – Keep your thermostat at a lower temperature in the winter and a higher temperature in the summer. Many experts recommend 68 in the winter and 72 in the summer, to keep things comfortable while saving resources.
- Don’t Waste System Usage – Close vents in the rooms you use less often and consider turning the system off entirely if you plan to leave for over two weeks. Seal all openings and entrances to the home, and make sure that your ducts don’t leak. Attic insulation can help, and you can also avoid opening and closing doors and windows more than necessary. All of this helps you reduce the amount of effort your system has to use to keep your home temperature-controlled.
- Work With the Sun – Open shades and drapes to let in sunlight in the winter. In the summer, keep your shades closed – at least on the side of your home where the sun is most direct. This helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in summer to reduce the burden of your system.
- Know Your System – Check the type of system you have to search tips for smarter usage. Your system’s manufacturer (and your friendly local HVAC expert) can both provide information on best practices for that unique system and setup. ENERGY STAR has resources for you, too!
- Heating & Cooling Repair Tips – A problem with your heating and cooling system can be unnerving, but there’s no need to panic. There are simple things you can do to try to fix the problem.
- Check the Breakers – Many units have two breakers, so check both the electrical circuit breaker and the condensing unit and furnace breaker. Limited or no power to the system could be the cause for its poor performance.
- Make Sure the Thermostat Is On – If your system isn’t running or your home seems to be too warm or too cool, check the thermostat. Did it get turned off? If so, it will fail to alert the system of the temperature you hope to maintain, and your system cannot respond. Luckily, this is an easy fix!
- Check Your Fan – If the fan is constantly running, check to see if it got turned to “on” rather than “auto.” If your system is still constantly running or cycling on/off, you might have a deeper problem.
- Call an HVAC Professional – If none of these troubleshoots work to solve your problem, it could be time to call in a professional. We’re here for you 24/7 to inspect your system, diagnose your concerns, and provide a plan for improvement or replacement.
Many heating, air conditioning, energy, and home safety issues occur throughout life. With that in mind, we encourage you to read our blog for more helpful tips that may provide useful guidance in a variety of scenarios.
If you need help with any component of your HVAC system, call MightyServ at (818) 348-4768
