Generally, this filter will need to be replaced an average of once per year, but it may be necessary to swap it out more often if the heater is heavily used. Failing to do so will result in off-peak performance, eventually resulting in mechanical breakdown, which will require repair. Take a Preventative Approach With AC and Heater Repair



Most central-style units double as both heaters and air conditioners, and because these systems are subject to heavy wear throughout the year, repairs are frequently necessary. The easiest way to detect when repairs are necessary is when the amount of energy required to run the unit noticeably increases. This indicates a mechanical or electrical strain that will require the attention of a professional. Homeowners can avoid this, though, by scheduling regular preventative maintenance and making sure that the HVAC unit is properly used at all times. All doors and windows should be closed when either heating or air conditioning functions are active. Otherwise, the unit will have to work too hard to achieve climate control, giving rise to a whole host of potential mechanical problems.

Heating system repair usually becomes necessary as a result of heavy use without proper maintenance or misuse of the HVAC unit. Filters and dust traps must be replaced annually, or even more often if the heating and cooling systems are used extensively during the cool Laguna Beach winters and hot Southern California summers. Sometimes, residents fail to seal off all windows and doors before running the unit, and doing this for a prolonged period of time will strain the unit's mechanical and electrical parts, eventually resulting in failure and breakdown. The need for HVAC repair can also be caused by installation and maintenance errors on the air conditioning side of the coin. Inexperienced or inferior service professionals, who fail to refer to proper manufacturer specifications when adding refrigerant to the system, frequently miscalibrate refrigerant charges. While this won't cause any immediate damage to the heating and cooling system, it's likely to cause the need for repairs down the road as the efficiency and overall performance of the unit suffers.

Heating repairs should be performed by licensed and insured professionals, and it's best to choose a local company with a strong understanding of the needs of consumers in the area. When choosing a contractor, ask for a full up-front price quote, and get all pricing and guarantees in writing before allowing work to begin.

Copyright (c) 2008 Barry Crowther