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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

What Is Included in Seasonal HVAC Maintenance?

by Billie Carlson

HVAC systems are crucial for maintaining a comfortable environment in your home or office year-round. To ensure that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operates at peak efficiency, it’s essential to schedule seasonal maintenance. Seasonal HVAC maintenance involves a series of tasks that are designed to optimize your system’s performance, extend its lifespan, and prevent costly breakdowns. Here’s what typically gets included in seasonal HVAC maintenance.

Air Filter Replacement or Cleaning

One of the most important tasks in HVAC maintenance is checking and replacing or cleaning the air filters. Filters capture dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other particles, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. Over time, these filters become clogged, reducing airflow and forcing your system to work harder.

Cleaning and Inspecting Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils in your HVAC system can collect dirt and debris over time, especially if you don’t change the filters regularly. Dirt buildup on the coils can significantly reduce your system’s efficiency and cause it to overheat or fail.

Checking and Calibrating Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your HVAC system to run inefficiently, leading to inconsistent temperatures and higher energy bills. Seasonal HVAC maintenance includes checking the thermostat’s calibration to ensure that it’s accurately reading the temperature and communicating properly with the system.

Lubricating Moving Parts

HVAC systems contain many moving parts, including fans, motors, and blower assemblies. If these parts are not properly lubricated, they can wear out faster and cause unnecessary strain on the system. Seasonal maintenance includes lubricating these components to reduce friction, prevent damage, and ensure smooth operation.

Checking Refrigerant Levels

For air conditioning systems, refrigerant is essential for cooling the air. Low refrigerant levels can cause your system to perform poorly and increase energy consumption. During HVAC maintenance, the technician will check the refrigerant levels and, if necessary, recharge them to the proper amount.

Inspecting Heat Exchanger and Burner Assembly (for Heating Systems)

For heating systems, especially furnaces, seasonal maintenance includes inspecting the heat exchanger and burner assembly. The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the furnace’s combustion process into the air that circulates through your home. If there are cracks or damage to the heat exchanger, carbon monoxide could potentially leak into the home, which is a serious safety hazard.

Seasonal HVAC maintenance is essential to ensure your system runs efficiently, reliably, and safely. From cleaning coils and replacing filters to checking refrigerant levels and inspecting ductwork, these tasks help extend the life of your HVAC system, improve energy efficiency, enhance indoor air quality, and prevent costly repairs.

Contact a local company to learn more about HVAC services.

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