We all love our heating and cooling systems, most of us wouldn’t survive the cold winter and hot summers without one! After all, throughout the United Sates, heating and cooling accounts for about 48% of all the energy used in the typical U.S. home. However, HVAC systems require a lot of maintenance that, when ignored, can cause a lot of different problems in your home. So to prevent expensive AC unit repair, here are some common sounds to keep an ear out for and what they mean.

Clanking
Typically, a clanking noise means that you have a part that is either missing or is loose within the machine. Usually, this means that the compressor itself is coming loose, which requires complete AC unit repairs. Or, if that is not the case, the indoor and outdoor fans and its blade areas are out of balance which causes them to hit other parts. While this isn’t always a bad thing, it will only get worse if it goes ignored.

Squealing or squeaking
Does your HVAC unit sound like a baby piglet? This means you have a problem with your fan and/or blower either indoor or outside. Sometimes, this noise is common if this is the first time you’re starting up the machine, but if the sound continues, make sure to call a repairman to come check things out.

Buzzing
Buzzing is probably the most common of the noises and can, unfortunately, mean many different things. This includes:

• • The condenser coil needs to be cleaned

• • Fan blades are loose and need to be tightened

• • The air filter needs to be changed and cleaned — this should happen monthly.

• • The blower is becoming out of balance

• • The motor needs to be re-oiled or changed.

• The copper lines from the outdoor unit are against something else, causing friction.

Because there can be a lot of different causes for the buzzing noises, make sure to contact a professional right away to get your unit checked out!

So whenever you are hearing noises, make sure to pay attention because your unit is trying to talk to you!

Spring is here and that only means one thing — sniffly noses and frustrating spring allergies. Unfortunately, there are many different common allergens that are lurking in your home that can only exacerbate this problem. Here are some tips on how to keep your home free of those sneeze-causing culprits!

Dust with a damp cloth
Never dry dust as this just will kick up the dust particles into the air and cause them to resettle in different areas. Instead, dust only with a damp cloth that was treated with a special cleaning agent that attracts dust rather than pushing it around.

Wash bedding and linens in hot water
Not only does this include your comforter, towels, and sheets, but your throw carpets and curtains all need to be washed in hot water to thoroughly eliminate their dust and allergens. Don’t forget to tumble dry afterward!

Pay attention to your air flow
Your HVAC system and air conditioning unit push air through the home, so if they are dirty your air quality will suffer and your allergies will get worse. If you are noticing that your home is dusty, exceptionally dry, and smelly, check out the cleanliness of your HVAC unit. It may require a deep clean or for installation experts to come in and fix broken components that are hindering air quality.

Clean the air ducts
As a rule of thumb, homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years. This will both remove lingering dust while promoting maximum cooling and heating efficiency.

Invest in an air humidifier
Most of the time a person’s allergies are exacerbated because the air around them is dry and stale. A small humidifier is all you need to make each room more comfortable, and your hair, skin, and eyes will thank you!

Clean and flip your mattress
When was the last time you gave your mattress a good deep clean? If you can’t remember, then it has been too long. Vacuum, air out, and then seal your bed with inexpensive dust mite covers to keep the allergens at bay. Just make sure to wash this cover once a week!

With these tips in mind, your home will be allergen-proof for the upcoming summer!

Having your residential heat and air units inspected in the spring and fall might not seem like the most important thing in the world, but there’s a reason licensed AC technicians recommend HVAC inspections twice a year. Whether you realize it or not, your HVAC systems might not be functioning the way they’re supposed to, which can lead to health hazards in your home.

Here are a few of the health issues you might run into if you’re not attentive to your residential heat and air units‘ maintenance.

Poor Air Quality Indoors
Part of annual HVAC maintenance requires changing your air filters every month or so. And your indoor air quality relies on your AC unit’s ability to filter out harmful substances from the air passing through it. If the filters are dirty and clogged, you’re going to notice bad smells, poor air flow, and even more dust and dirt in your home. It’s especially bad if you suffer from allergies, as a dirty air filter could make them worse.

Mold Growth
It’s no secret that mold is not something you want in your home. Even to those who don’t have respiratory issues, mold can be a harmful substance. When you don’t have a reliable air conditioning company coming to inspect your HVAC unit at least twice a year, you increase the potential for unchecked leaks and increased contaminant levels. If you notice any mold in or around your AC unit, make sure to call your air conditioning company immediately for an inspection. Mold issues should be dealt with as soon as possible after they’re spotted.

Potential for Ventilation Fires
In extreme cases of clogged filters and ducts, you could have a serious fire on your hands. A dirty air filter is already a fire hazard, but if it becomes so clogged that it gets sucked into the system, it’s essentially just a ticking time bomb. You might not need an AC technician to change your air filter, but you do need to make sure it’s checked regularly.

Twice-yearly inspections can reduce soot buildup, help increase airflow, and prevent all of these hazards from ever happening in the first place.