Pumbing, Heating and Cooling Systems / How Can You Make the Most of Your Home Comfort Systems?

Just as you would not expect your car to run smoothly without having frequent oil changes, tune ups or making sure that there is gas in the tank, you need to make sure that your heating, cooling and plumbing systems are in working order. As Anthony Shaker of UNICCO in Newton, Massachusetts says, "...A solid program of preventative maintenance is absolutely paramount. The better something is maintained the more likely you're going to get the appropriate life-cycle from the equipment."

Heating

• Before the weather actually turn cold, take a few minutes to see if any warm air blows through the vents when the system is turned on.

• Be sure to change the air filters, dirty filter prevent the furnace from working properly and will also result in poor indoor air quality.

• If you have natural gas for your heating system, check t see that the pilot is lit. The flame should be blue, if it is yellow or orange you will need to contact a HVAC professional as this can be the sign of a problem.

• Make sure that there is nothing blocking the vents or filters so that the heat can get into the areas in which it is needed.

Central Air

• If properly maintained, an air conditioning system can least as long as 15 years, so taking the few minutes necessary to check your AC system can ultimately save you time and money.

• Have your duct work checked and cleaned at least once every 3-4 years so that not only will the system work better, but your air will be cleaner.

• Clean off the outside air compressor with water, this is easily done using your garden hose.

• Keep all things away from the compressor so that it has a free flow of air

• Change the filter every 4-6 weeks, or as recommended by your user's manual.

Plumbing

Like your heating and air systems, you will also want to maintain that your plumbing system is in the best working order possible. Here are a few ways suggested by Service Magic that you can do this.

• Shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening faucets at the highest and lowest points of the house, if you will be gone for several days. In addition, keep the heat on and set no lower than 55 degrees-especially if it is during the winter months.

• During the winter, your water heater works harder. Flush it out and remove sediment buildup, to prevent corrosion, and increase the life span. Drain several gallons from the faucet near the bottom of the tank through a hose directed into a nearby drain.

• In the event frozen pipes, water pressure builds and can cause cracks - regardless if whether the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash more than 250 gallons of water in a single day.

• Be sure to clear leaves and debris from downspouts to ensure easy drainage when water freezes and thaws.

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Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Abel On Site.