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Grinding, Squealing and Screeching: Interpreting the Noises Your HVAC Makes

If something is failing or going amiss with your HVAC unit, chances are, your HVAC unit is letting you know something is not quite right. However, most of the cues come in the form of sounds that many of us may overlook. If you hear your HVAC unit grinding, squealing, screeching or squeaking, it is letting you know it needs help. I was unaware of these cues and overlooked them. It ended up costing me a lot of money in repairs. I want to make sure that does not happen to other people, so I made this website. I hope you learn how to interpret the noises your HVAC unit is making so you can get it the repairs it needs before you incur a costly repair, or worse, permanently ruin your unit for good.

Grinding, Squealing and Screeching: Interpreting the Noises Your HVAC Makes

Prepare Your Home's Central Heat And Air System For The Winter

by Billie Carlson

Now that the hot weather is winding down for the year, you may be contemplating switching your air conditioning off in preparation for the occasions in which you will need to heat your home. If your heating and air are supplied through a central air conditioning unit, inspect the outdoor condenser unit, clean parts in need, and have any indoor issues addressed.

Handle The Inspection And Maintenance Needs Of The Condenser

Since your heat and air are supplied through the same ductwork and originate through the outdoor condenser unit, it is imperative that all of the parts are clean and in working order. Not only will this save you headaches the following summer when you would like to turn the air conditioning back on, but you will also be ensuring that your home is heated adequately this winter and that you won't encounter any hiccups that will put your heating and air unit out of service.

The first step is to turn on the air conditioning unit and wait for the condenser unit to begin operating. Go outside and look at the unit to determine if the interior fan is spinning properly. Signs of a problem would include an unfamiliar sound, such as a grinding noise or high-pitched squeal. Some water may drip from the condenser unit, but this is perfectly normal, especially when a unit is running on a consistent basis.

If you see puddling near the base of the condenser or if water appears to be pouring onto the ground, a service technician should be consulted so that you can have the problem looked at more closely. Go back inside and turn off the air conditioning switch that is on the thermostat.

The next part of the maintenance required involves removing loose debris from the top and sides of the condenser. Loose materials can become lodged in the unit's vents and disrupt the fan and other internal components from moving freely. Use a broom to sweep the top and sides of the unit and a small cleaning brush to dislodge leaves or twigs that are wedged between the vents. 

Address The Household Components

Replace the filter that was used during the summer with a new one. The filter should be inspected and changed on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, depending on how often the heating unit is operating.

Dust that clogs the vents can be problematic to your ductwork and can result in needing to turn on the heat for longer lengths of time than normal or poor air quality inside of your home. If the central heating and air unit utilizes a thermostat that is battery-operated, replace the batteries with fresh ones. Set the thermostat to the desired heat setting. You are now prepared to heat up your home when you wish.

For more information, contact a company like Apollo Heating & Air.

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