HVAC: Keeping Your Cool In the SummerHVAC: Keeping Your Cool In the Summer

Whilst your air conditioner and heater do quite opposite things, they actually share much in common. In the majority of homes built in recent years, the heater and air conditioner use the very same equipment within the home. For that reason, if you have air conditioning problems this summer, you might very well have problems with the heater when the cold weather begins. Keep reading to learn about what your air conditioner and heater share -- and how you can take care of them both! 

The Indoor Equipment

The air conditioner and heater both use a forced air distribution system in many cases. The shared parts include: 

• The motor: the motor powers on the blower.
• The blower: the blower's job is to push the hot and cold air into home via the duct system.
• The duct system: the duct system delivers heat and air conditioning all through your home. Many homes have one duct for each room or area, although this can vary widely based upon the size and layout of your home.

Whilst the indoor equipment is often the same, the outdoor equipment does vary between the air conditioner and the heater. If you have a problem with your air conditioning or heating, the shared inside components above are likely among the first things that your HVAC specialist will check. If your HVAC specialist discovers that your cool air isn't cool enough due to a problem with one of these shared components, they can fix it straight away -- and the benefits will linger beyond the summer. A blower that isn't delivering cool air properly will also fail to deliver heated air, so fixing it now means you'll correct two issues at once. 

The Basic Maintenance

Basic maintenance for your air conditioner and heater are often quite similar. The entire air conditioner and heater system should be examined once a year. Whilst there may be no actual maintenance or repairs needed at that time, it's still best to identify problems early on so as to prevent issues later.

You'll need to have the air ducts professionally cleaned every three years or so, although this can vary with your usage and your home's needs. It's rare to need a blower or motor replacement unless the system is growing old and has been in use for some time. However, if you don't get regular maintenance, dirt and debris can eventually get pushed inwards from the ducts until it disables the blower and the motor. Maintenance is key to keeping both your air conditioner and heater working properly!

As you can see, your air conditioner and heater work hand in hand -- and they also need your attention and help to function at their peak. Call your HVAC contractor today to see if it's time for a air conditioner and heater examination!