One responsibility every homeowner has is to make sure their HVAC unit is functioning correctly. That requires regular and preventative maintenance. Another is dealing with the odd emergency almost every HVAC system gets from time to time. Here are some general tips for dealing with an HVAC issue, before you call for a technician to provide you with emergency HVAC service in Snellville, GA.

Change Your Air Filter

This is a basic operation every homeowner should know how to do. Filters can become clogged with dirt, dust and debris and that can lead to a unit that doesn’t function efficiently, or even function at all. Your air filters should be checked once a month and changed every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter you have. The smartest approach is to designate one day a month – say the first of the month – to check the filter and one day every three months to change it if you do not do it sooner. If you have pets you will likely have to change it sooner than 90 days.

Clear Your Unit

Your external unit takes a beating all year long. Making sure it is clear of debris and dirt is a key step in avoiding performance issues, but it also can be an emergency action if needed. Inspect your external HVAC unit routinely as an obstruction can cause the unit to run hot, damage components or run inefficiently. Clearing the unit is one of the first steps you can take before contacting your 24 hour HVAC repair service.

Clean Vents and Registers

If you have pets or kids, any number of things can get dropped down into vents and cause issues from gross smells to air circulation obstructions. If you notice your system is not cooling as well as it did or like it should, check the vents in the room you are in and clear them of any obstructions. Remember that an obstruction does not have to be actually down in the ductwork. It can be a rug or piece of furniture placed over a floor register or blocking a wall vent. It can even be a pet that lays on a register or by a vent too cool off. Checking this can avoid having to resort to 24 hour HVAC and the associated costs with that option.

These are the basic first steps to check if your HVAC gives you problems. You should run through these options before contacting emergency HVAC in Snellville, GA.