Single System: How To Keep it Running Great All Year
Single HVAC System and How To Keep It Running Great All Year Long
While most homes and businesses in the northeast US have two separate systems, sometimes we come across a single HVAC system. This blog is to help you understand the differences, especially as the baby boomers are beginning their migration to the warmer southern climate. There are two systems in a typical Bergen County, NJ setup. One is dedicated to producing heat during the winter. It uses only one fuel source, which, in recent years, is likely to be natural gas. Some homes and businesses still run on fuel oil, which is merely #2 diesel fuel with a dye so it is taxed differently than automotive diesel fuel. Fewer still rely on electricity, propane, and, although growing, solar power.
Likewise, given the extreme temperature changes, there is typically a separate system for air conditioning. These are usually powered by electricity. They can be window units or a central air system with a compressor outside and an airbox inside to collect and push the air over coils chilled by a refrigerant.
A single unit that combines Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is more prevalent in temperate climates where a heat exchanger is used in place of a dedicated heating system. The need for a reliable heating system beyond a heat pump or heat exchanger is minimal in warmer temperatures.
What’s Going on Inside
At first glance, your HVAC unit may appear formidable and scary, but if you take the time to examine it carefully, you’ll soon be able to recognize its components. It helps immensely if you have the original owner’s manual with the unit, as it will help you identify many parts. It will also give you a list of quick and easy maintenance steps you should perform regularly. It may be possible to download it from the manufacturer’s website or call the installer or manufacturer and ask for a replacement owner’s manual if it’s lost.
Let’s look at some of the most basic tasks every homeowner should learn to take care of on their air conditioner or heat pump.
Keeping the Unit Clean and The Area Around It, Tidy Is Important
Cleanliness – There are several reasons why this is very important and often overlooked. One is that the unit needs to breathe and have air circulation around it to perform all its functions. If you notice that other household or business members are using it for trash or storage, you should bring it to their attention. When the air around the unit can’t keep the coils cool, the machine will work extra hard every hour of every day to do its job, cost more energy, and wear out sooner.
The same goes for keeping the unit’s exterior clean and free from dust and dirt. Eventually, that debris falls inside and slows the heating and cooling capacity. The unit’s grills and vents should remain clean and unblocked always. Blocking them with overgrown bushes will raise your energy bills and cause extra wear and tear on the moving parts. Failure to do so will result in early parts failure and the visit by a trained technician.
Cleaning Filters Helps Save Energy and Decrease Wear
Most single-unit HVAC units will have an outside and inside portion, each with its air filter. At least once a year, they should both be replaced. If not, they’re likely to get clogged, causing your unit to work harder, use more energy, and wear out sooner than necessary.
There are also lubrication points that require attention. The lubrication points will be indicated in the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the manual, they are often downloadable online. You will need to know your unit’s make, model, and year. The manual will also give you some essential tips on what to keep clean, what to inspect, and when it’s important to call an HVAC repairman instead.
For Your Health, Keep the Ductwork Clean Too
Some ducts will be accessible by removing the grills and vacuuming inside. You won’t be able to reach in, but every little bit helps. Consider having them professionally cleaned every six months to free your family from allergies due to dust, debris, pollen, and other contaminants that will accumulate in your ducts.
No matter the situation, call Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC and let our factory-trained technicians perform the necessary maintenance, ensure that the compressor is creating the correct pressure and that the condenser and other related parts are doing their job. And, of course, make sure all the filters are clean and replaced this season.
No matter what type of system you have in your home or business, Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC is like having an uncle in the plumbing business. After 40 years of servicing Bergen County, we prioritize ensuring you get the service you need when you need it and at a fair price.
Still need help? No sweat. Call Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC at (201) 343-1414 or click the following link mailto:[email protected]
Maintaining your HVAC system is essential to keep it running great all year. Here are some tips that can help:
- Change the air filters regularly: Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system. Change the filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Hire a professional to inspect and tune up your HVAC system once a year. This can help catch issues before they become major problems and improve the system’s overall efficiency.
- Keep the area around the HVAC system clean: Make sure the area around your HVAC system is clean and free of debris. This can help prevent clogs and keep the system running efficiently.
- Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you regulate the temperature in your home and reduce energy waste. Set it to turn off or reduce heating or cooling when you are not home.
- Keep the outdoor unit clean: If you have an outdoor unit, ensure it is clean and debris-free. Trim any plants or trees growing too close to the unit, as they obstruct airflow.
- Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This reduces the workload on your HVAC system, which can help extend its lifespan.
By following these tips, you can keep your HVAC system running great all year and extend its lifespan, saving you money on energy bills and maintenance costs in the long run.
About Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC
Exclusively Serving Bergen County, New Jersey
Michael Muccia is a Master Plumber and the owner and operator of Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC is a full-service Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) service company based in and serving Bergen County, NJ, since 1978. The Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC team of trained and certified service technicians offers various services, including general plumbing and heating maintenance, for residential and commercial clients.
Whatever your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or ventilation needs are, it’s easier with Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. We treat our customers, large and small, with the best service in the industry. We know you have a choice when considering an HVAC company, and no matter what we do for you, we treat it as the most crucial job in our history. Our experience proves that we know how to work efficiently, which keeps costs low, uses only the best components within budget, and stands behind the work we do.
Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC has locations in the following areas:
Hackensack | Hillside | Ramsey | Waldwick | Maywood | Tenafly
