What is this one thing, you ask? A dirty air filter!
Are you surprised by our answer? If you’re like most homeowners, you might think the only reason you should care about your HVAC system’s air filter is due to the allergens and particles in your air. But you’re only partially correct.
It’s often assumed that a dirty air filter is a problem because it keeps the air dirty, and this is why HVAC technicians tell you to change yours every 1-3 months. If you aren’t suffering from allergies, you may think your air filter is doing just fine.
But here’s the thing—helping your indoor air quality is only a very small fraction of what this air filter does. The true purpose of your standard air filter is to protect the interior components of your HVAC system. Read on to learn more about this, and to discover just how a dirty air filter can impact your HVAC efficiency and quality of life.
If that heatwave last week was any indication, springtime is here to remind us that soon enough, we will need our air conditioners on a daily basis. Is your cooling system ready for a full season of work though?
Also called the circuit breaker panel, the electrical panel of your home serves as the central hub for your entire electrical system. It’s where the incoming electricity is routed to the different circuits. The breakers are designed to shut off circuits in case of a voltage overload. If you have an aging circuit breaker panel, it’s wise to ensure you aren’t overdue for an upgrade, given the higher electrical demands we have all put on our homes in recent years.
As we progress into summer, now is an awful time to discover that your air conditioner isn’t up to the job of keeping your home cool and comfortable anymore. However, if that is the case, we definitely recommend looking into a replacement if it’s an aging system that’s been having a lot of repair issues anyway. This is not a purchase to rush into though!
Your home’s air conditioner is designed to run during oppressively hot days—that is literally its purpose, to provide cooling when temperatures outside make living conditions inside unbearable.
Of all the possible issues that can negatively impact your home, electrical problems are probably the most dangerous. While a plumbing problem can inflict a significant amount of water damage and an HVAC issue can leave you uncomfortable for a while, an unchecked electrical problem can result in electrocution or fire. Therefore, it’s essential that you have your wiring checked at least once every few years—without this inspection you’re substantially increasing the likelihood that a problem will occur.
It may be out of sight, but it should never be out of mind—your electrical system, that is. The electrical components of your home are a critical part of your daily life. Without electricity, you wouldn’t be able to turn on your air conditioner, conveniently wash your clothes, or even keep your refrigerated food cold. It’s a necessity no matter where you live and what day of the year it is. Therefore, electrical maintenance should be a priority for your family.
If last week was any indication, summer is well on its way. And unfortunately, summer is the most likely season for AC system to develop problems. After all, they’re placed under a lot of stress this time of the year, and the wear and tear on the components makes it more likely for it to break down.