If you maintain your furnace properly, you can expect it to last an average of about 16 to 20 years. To avoid premature wear and tear and other problems that could lead to more headaches in the future, keep an eye and an ear out for your furnace. Make sure that you take note of any signs of wear and perform the necessary repairs before the situation worsens and gets out of control.

The humming noises of your furnace can be soothing in the dead of winter when snow muffles sounds from the outside and you are cherishing the toasty warmth of your home. However, some sounds that come from your heating system may indicate problems that you need to get fixed. Consequently, you need to understand the difference between innocuous noises and sounds that should send you to the phone to call HVAC technicians in your area.

If you have a tank water heater that attaches to the hot-water system in your home, then you may notice that the appliance makes some noises as it runs. Humming and the sounds of water flowing in and out of the tank are normal sounds. However, there are other types of noises that may signify an issue with the tank. Banging is a common noise you may hear, and your water heater might need a bit of maintenance if the sound is noted.

If you have a central air-conditioning system that you rely on to cool you down all summer long, then you want to make sure that you keep the system well maintained. One of the easiest tasks that you can complete involves changing the air filter. You will need to change the filter at least once every one or two months. Simply pull out the old filter from the air exchange or plenum and replace it with a new one.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune disease with symptoms that can be made worse by heat. Approximately 200 new cases are diagnosed every week in the United States. If you've recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis there are a few important things you need to be aware of regarding heat intolerance and your need for air conditioning. Here's what you need to know. Heat Can Make Multiple Sclerosis Flare-Up

If your home has a musty, old, or nasty smell in it, there is a chance that it might be due to the debris stuck in the ventilation system of your house. Air ducts are a key component of most heating and air conditioning systems, yet they are unseen, so you may never even think about cleaning them. Not only are they out of sight, but they are also hard to reach, which makes cleaning them quite difficult.

Evaporative coolers are a great, low-cost alternative to air conditioning, particularly in arid climates. In addition, since many evaporative coolers are mechanically-simple, you can perform maintenance yourself with just a little know-how. Here are some essential maintenance tasks that you should do to keep your unit running smoothly: Pad replacement and cleaning Evaporative coolers use pads that become saturated with water that continuously recirculates inside the cooler. This water trickles down through the pad material, while incoming air flows through the wet pads; the hot, dry air is cooled by evaporation, and a fan forces the cool, moist air into the home.

If the heat suddenly goes out in your home during the winter, then you need to speak with a heating specialist to repair your furnace. While you wait for the heating services repair person, you can wear several layers of clothing to keep yourself warm, but your dog needs to stay warm as well, especially if you own a small dog or a canine with short hair. Take Short Walks If you take your dog for long walks during the day, then considering going for numerous short walks instead.

Whether you're looking to cut back on your heating bill or your furnace is out of order, you are likely looking for great ways to stay warm. Aside from the obvious suggestions of wearing extra layers of clothing and wrapping up in a blanket, there are plenty of ingenious ways to stay cozy and warm. Part of what makes these tips so "hot" is the fact that you can stay warm without ever touching your thermostat.

You use your HVAC system every day to heat or cool your home. Unfortunately, normal usage of your HVAC system will allow certain components to sustain wear or become dirty. If you've used your HVAC system for years without arranging for regular maintenance, then your system may be putting you and your family in danger. Regularly arrange for these services to keep your HVAC system operating safely: Heat Exchanger Inspections