There are many reasons to hire licensed HVAC technicians to install or repair your heating or air conditioning systems. You’ll get better-quality work that lasts longer and, most likely, saves you money on energy bills. However, it’s important to also remember that a poorly installed or maintained unit is actually a safety hazard. Air conditioning units contain harmful chemicals, such as Freon, that require special training to properly handle.
“HVAC is about more than just putting a unit in someone’s house,” says Krissy Hiteshew, co-owner of A-1 Guaranteed Heating and Air, Inc. “It also has to do with the quality of incoming air, which can affect people who have asthma or lung problems. There are many variables.”
Your HVAC contractor should also conduct duct pressure testing, now required by California law, to check for leaks. Not only do leaky ducts drain efficiency from HVAC systems, they can also carry contaminated air into your home.
There are safety control designs built into every HVAC system that reduce the risk of personal injury and fires. These protective devices vary slightly from one unit to another, depending on whether the air conditioner or furnace is gas or electric. Take the following steps to make sure your system performs safely and efficiently.
Regularly clean the air filters in your furnace and air conditioning systems. If the filters get clogged with dirt, dust or debris, it restricts air flow throughout the system. This can lead to motor strain and overheating, which pose a fire hazard.
Check your thermostat to make sure it’s set properly. Make sure the reading is set on "Heat" and at the proper temperature. When the air conditioner is running, make sure the "Cool" setting is at an appropriate temperature to avoid constant operation.
Purchase a simple volt meter at your local hardware or home improvement store. Use it to check your circuit breaker to see how many volts of electricity are going to your HVAC unit. The circuit breaker is one of the most important safety controls on your system. If a power surge of more than 240 volts occurs, the circuit breaker should trip, shutting off the unit.
Secure the wiring. The low-voltage wires on your HVAC system are part of the safety controls. Check all electrical connections and make sure they’re tight.
