HVAC professionals share maintenance tips as dangerous heat arrives

LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — A heat wave is going to broil southeastern North Carolina with heat indices over 100 degrees and one thing you don’t want to happen is your air conditioning to go out.

WWAY’s Charles McKeller shows us how to keep your cool and avoid costly air conditioning problems.

As the heat turns up… so does the demand on your air conditioner and that can mean higher power bills.

“The air conditioning in your home is the biggest user of energy in your home so finding ways to save starts there,” said Brooks.

That’s Jeff Brooks spokesperson for Duke Energy. With dangerous heat ahead, now is the time to change a few habits around the house. He says you don’t have to sweat to save.

“If you can bump that thermostat up a couple degrees, you can really generate some savings,” said Brooks

You can also give your air conditioner a break by using ceiling fans. When they spin counterclockwise in the summer, they push cool air down helping you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

“A ceiling fan doesn’t cool a room, but it does cool people. As that air moves across your skin, you’re going to feel just as comfortable. In fact, a ceiling fan can make it feel up to four degrees cooler than it actually is,” Brooks said.

HVAC expert Justin Fulford owner of Fulford Heating & Cooling says one of homeowner’s the biggest mistake is trying to keep a house too cold when it’s scorching outside.

“A lot of customers like to run their temperatures down to 70 degrees, 68 degrees, and when it’s this hot outside, you’re way overworking the equipment,” said Fulford.

An over working equipment is a primary reason why a system needs to be serviced at the worst possible time like this week. That makes HVAC installer like Mike Forte working up a sweat.

“The average attic, if it’s well insulated, can get up to 140 degrees. If the insulation’s no good and there’s poor ventilation, it can get to like 160,” said Forte.

So, what are some heating and cooling tips? Keep HVAC ductwork sealed and insulated, have attic ventilation, keep door closed, and monitor air filters

“If your air filters are dirty, your air conditioning is working harder keeping that clean is important,” said Brooks.

Also keep your HVAC clear of shrubs and debris so it can breathe and rinse it off with water both outside and inside.

“When you start seeing this on your coil… there’s going to be a leak. There’s going to be a major failure because rust is going to eat through that metal and cause leaks, said Fulford

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the following are warning signs of heat-related illness:

• Muscle cramping
• Unusually heavy sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care.