As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, it’s important for people to get their homes ready for the colder seasons. There’s more to do than just pile on the blankets, switch off the air conditioning and crank up the thermostat, though. Proper preparation means ensuring that a home’s heating system is in good working order for the long winter ahead, and that it won’t be wasting energy, which can result in soaring bills over the winter months.
HVAC school teaches aspiring technicians to spot any of the potential problems that can result in a poorly functioning or wasteful home heating system. If you’re considering, or already pursuing, HVAC technician training, here’s some advice you might soon be giving to clients for getting a home fall and winter ready.
HVAC Experts Advise Clients to Change their Air Filters Regularly
As air flows out from a unit, the air filter removes small particles like dust and dirt, which would otherwise circulate and be breathed in by occupants. However, over time these small particles can build up and block the filter. When this happens, the unit has to work much harder to keep a home warm. Air quality suffers and heating costs go up.
Once you’ve earned your diploma, you might recommend that clients replace their air filters every one to three months. Heading into winter, it’s particularly important they make sure that the unit is running with a clean, new filter.
Thermostats Should Be Measured Against a Separate Thermometer
HVAC training will teach you that the thermostat is the control centre of a heating system making sure that the heat turns on and off as intended and that the home is kept at the desired temperature. For this reason, it’s important for clients to know if it’s in good working condition before the weather gets too cold.
You might test the thermostat by setting the temperature at least ten degrees higher than the temperature of the room. This should cause the heat to turn on. After about fifteen minutes, a standard thermometer should be used to test the temperature of the room and compare it to the readout on the thermometer. When the numbers don’t match up, there’s a problem.
Check the thermostat against a separate reading to make sure it’s working
Professionals with HVAC Training Know the Importance of Weatherstripping
Even if an HVAC system is in good working order, problems can still arise if hot air isn’t being kept in and cold air isn’t been kept out. If the weatherstripping around a home’s doors and windows isn’t in good shape, then the unit has to work much harder to keep the air inside at the set temperature. After graduating from HVAC school, you’ll know that in the short term, this can increase heating costs significantly, and in the long term, it can wear down the unit. This can be avoided by checking all the seals around a home’s doors and windows ahead of time, as well as inspecting the home for any other gaps or holes.
Clients Should Make Sure Units Won’t Be Damaged By Falling Branches
You don’t need to advise clients to cover their outdoor HVAC unit in the winter, as it’s built to withstand outdoor conditions, but you should advise them to regularly check it for leaves, dirt, or other build-up.
Branches weighed down by snow can also snap and fall, potentially damaging an HVAC unit underneath. Clear any branches directly above the unit and inspect the surrounding area for other such risks.
Heavy snow can cause tree branches to snap and fall, sometimes damaging HVAC units
Are you interested in training for an in-demand career in the trades?
Contact North American Trade Schools for more information on how to become an HVAC technician.
