Winters are cold in Melbourne and the Yarra Valley! Will You Be Cold or Comfortable this year?
Autumn is here… Winter is coming… will you be warm and comfortable through it all? A properly running HVAC system can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort in your home. If you have invested in a Ducted Heater, Hydronic or Reverse Cycle HVAC system we want to help you maximize your investment! This will mean you can enjoy a warm, worry-free home through the Autumn and winter – its as easy as following some simple tips.
TIP 1.
Locate and clean all the vent and air register covers in your home. This could be with a vacuum and/or a damp cloth to ensure they are free of dust and debris. You also want to make sure they are not blocked by furniture or large objects. These two things will help keep dust from blowing around your home and also make sure proper air flow and consistent heat to each room.
TIP 2.
Clean and/or replace your HVAC filters regularly (as often as is recommended by the manufacturer or your HVAC installing expert). In many cases its easiest to get a professional out to replace filters, so looking for a reliable or hassle-free annual maintenance provider can be quite cost effective. If you’d like to have a go yourself get the make and model of your unit and measure the existing filters – call up your installer and they may be able to send these out to you.
TIP 3.
Test your HVAC system before you need it. Run your system and listen for unusual sounds or smells.
You’ll want to do this for two reasons.
- First, you might notice a very slight burning smell as a small amount of dust burns off of the heating unit, so it’s nice to be able to open the windows and air that out. (Note: the burning smell should disappear quickly. If it persists or is very strong, shut your HVAC unit down and call an HVAC expert right away.)
- Second, testing your HVAC system before you need it means that if there is a problem, you can get it fixed right away instead of being uncomfortably cold while the system is being repaired!
If your system fails to turn on, try looking at these simple things before you panic…It might sound silly to some, but they are often overlooked.
- Is your HVAC unit plugged in?
- Did you check the circuit breakers to make sure they are in the correct position?
- Do the batteries need to be changed in your thermostat?
These 3 simple steps could be the difference between an HVAC system that works and one that doesn’t. Also, the difference between an unnecessary call out fee on a cold Yarra Valley day and instant comfort.
If your HVAC unit has pipes that connect to the outside of your house (such as exhaust and fresh air intake pipes), make sure they are clear of debris and not blocked by anything.
If you do need to call an HVAC professional, check the make and model number of your HVAC unit over the phone, also providing an estimate age and when it was last serviced by a professional can be very helpful. This will help them understand the situation better even before they arrive at your home.
With the colder weather already showing up after dark, it’s important to make sure that your home is safe and comfortable for your family. Use these tips and ideas to help you have a more comfortable home for your family.