Blog Post

Washougal Heating & Cooling HVAC DIY Tips

Elijah Kuzmenko • Sep 23, 2019
HVAC DIY Lady
Fall HVAC season is in full-swing! It's time to think about how your heating system going to perform this winter. Your overall comfort, energy efficiency, and life expectancy of your HVAC system will increase by investing your time into your heating system before winter hits.
First, let's compare energy usage in an average home:
  1. Air Conditioner and Heating System: 45%
  2. Water Heater: 13%
  3. Appliances: 12%
  4. Lighting: 8%
  5. TV & Media Equipment: 5%
Proper care of your HVAC system will reflect well on your total yearly savings. While there are tasks that should be left to HVAC experts, some of the more basic tasks can be performed yourself, such as: 
  • Change filters at least twice a year. Filters are relatively inexpensive and can be bought at your local hardware store. We recommend having your filter changed once before the heating season and once before the cooling season. If you do have pets or you live in a dusty area, you will need to change the filters 3-4 times a year.
HVAC Filter change
  • Use a programmable thermostat. This can save 5%-15% on heating and cooling costs. Apply proper settings to your thermostat by allowing the temperature to fall in the winter and rise in the summer by approximately 10 degrees. Heat pumps work a little different and can be left at a steady temperature.
Using a HVAC Thermostat
  • Installing a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide alarm is important for your family's safety if your home uses natural gas or oil for HVAC or other purposes.
While all of these tips can be a cost-effective DIY project, it's still important to have your local HVAC company perform a yearly maintenance check from a licensed HVAC technician.

What should you expect from the maintenance appointment where we tune-up your heating system?

Furnace Wires

TEST:


Carbon monoxide levels leakage

Thermostat operation

Ignition system

Safety and operating controls

Wiring connections

Temperature rise between return and supply air
HVAC Tech working on furnace

INSPECT:


Gas valve

Motor, pumps, bearings, and fans

Heating exchanger

Flame sensor
HVAC Dirty Filter

CLEAN:


Drainage system

Debris

Burners

Pilot assembly

Standard filter change
Washougal Heating & Cooling has been helping the Washougal, Camas, Vancouver & Portland communities keep their air conditioners and heating systems run smoothly throughout different seasons of the year. With yearly maintenance from a licensed HVAC technician, you will extend the life of your HVAC system, energy savings and overall comfort of your home.

Schedule your yearly maintenance with us today!
Schedule Maintenance
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