HVAC systems are one of the greatest human inventions. These heavy-duty machines are designed to make living spaces both cozy and comfortable. May it be extremely cold or hot and humid, if you have an HVAC system installed in your house, you won’t have to worry about shivering or sweating throughout the day. But for them to function without any complications, you will need to maintain them. As convenient as HVACs are when it comes to usage, they also present some safety hazards so you should hire air conditioner repair services for HVAC maintenance and whenever there is any issue. Here are the common HVAC safety hazards.
Electrical Hazards
The biggest hazard associated with HVAC units is electricity. An HVAC system comprises several different components that utilize electricity to function. This means that if there is something wrong with the HVAC system, you will first need to cut off the supply to the unit.
To do this, it is recommended to cut the power from the main switch and circuit breaker. Make sure to wear protective gear as accidentally touching a naked wire or component may lead to electrocution that could cause severe injuries. At the same time, you should know that some components inside the HVAC unit can store electric charge.
This means there is still a chance of you getting shocked while the unit is unplugged. To avoid that, you should use proper equipment to check and verify there isn’t any charge left.
Chemical Exposure
One of the main HVAC accidents the HVAC industry experiences almost daily is exposure to dangerous contaminants and chemicals. Professionals work with a lot of chemicals that could cause burns and other health concerns. Plus, a wide variety of liquids and solvents are also used especially when it comes to thoroughly cleaning and maintaining the unit.
Although the manufacturers of these chemicals are required by law to meet some standards to ensure they are environmentally friendly, you still cannot take chances. These chemicals coming in contact with different factors may result in serious concerns.
Then again, when handling chemicals and other dangerous items, you should always wear protective equipment. Make sure to cover your hands and eyes. Even the gas cylinders commonly found at the back of the expert’s truck can be dangerous.
So, while performing HVAC maintenance, one should keep a safe distance and ensure all safety protocols are being met to successfully and safely complete the task.
Respiratory Hazards
Respiratory hazards are extremely common when working with HVAC units due to a wide variety of reasons with dust and dirt being the primary sources. HVAC units come with filters that ensure the air is filtered before being circulated inside the house.
But, with time, the filters and other components become covered with layers of dirt, dust, and debris. This means, neither the filters nor the components will be able to function properly. Since the filters will be clogged, the air inside the house will be contaminated as well.
So, if you have kids or elderly in the house who have allergies or other respiratory concerns, you should be concerned. On the other hand, if the components inside the unit are dirty, it will make heat dissipation extremely difficult. Plus, if the air ducts are dusty, they can also affect the airflow.
Mechanical Hazards
Mechanical hazards are the worst of any situation. As mentioned earlier, HVAC units consist of several different components that work together as a team to produce and circulate cool and warm air. The issue with these components is that they can become extremely hot. This can cause overheating in some cases and is a fire hazard.
Some units can also blow up while the experts are working on it. Before working on an HVAC unit, it should be double-checked to ensure all the tools are in good condition and there is nothing worth serious that could be taken care of to begin with.
Most people tend to underestimate this factor only to realize when they face serious situations. Such minor factors and checks can play a huge role when it comes to working with HVAC units.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide aka “the silent killer” is an extremely dangerous gas that cannot only make you lose consciousness but result in death while sleeping as well. Dealing with HVAC units may also require working with carbon monoxide, which means you need to be extra careful.
If experts are working on your HVAC unit, you should make sure to open the windows to let dangerous gases escape. The issue is that carbon monoxide is both odorless and colorless. You might think you are feeling dizzy due to low sugar or blood pressure but it could be the gas.
This is another reason why you should always hire AC repair services Stony Brook for air conditioner maintenance and repair as they know how to contain and handle such issues if they were to get out of control.
How Often Does The HVAC Unit Need Maintenance?
It depends on how much you use your HVAC system. If you live in a region where HVAC units run almost throughout the year, you will need to get it professionally maintained at least twice or thrice a year if there are extreme weather conditions like thunderstorms and snowfall, etc.
In between the professional maintenance, it is going to be your responsibility to check and clean the filters along with performing basic inspections to ensure there are no leakages or cracks, etc.
Professional maintenance is a type of investment. Most people believe it is nothing but an expense. But, the factor of the matter is that professionally maintained units run a lot better than the ones that do not receive any professional care. Proper maintenance can also improve your HVAC efficiency. Preventing problems rather than waiting for them to show up and fixing them saves you money as well.
This is why you should maintain a maintenance schedule and record everything to keep a check on service history.
How To Find The Right Expert?
Finding the right expert can be a tricky task. While searching for the right individual, you will come across a sea of options. The HVAC market is saturated with experts nowadays. This means you will have to be extremely careful about your options and the final pick.
The best way to pick the right expert is by asking your friends and family members for referrals. There is nothing better than opting for someone who has already tried and tested. If not, you can look over the internet for nearby experts and personally visit or interview them over a phone call.
You might be tempted to go for someone offering cheaper rates but that could be risky. Your priority should be to choose someone who is licensed and certified by the state to work on HVAC units. Once you have narrowed down the options, choose the one that offers the best overall package.
Conclusion
HVAC units are safe to work with if you are aware of the potential hazards and how you can prevent or avoid them. Always wear protective clothes if you plan on working on an HVAC unit or call a professional for repairs and replacements. But, as a general rule of thumb, your HVAC should always be inspected and maintained by a HVAC repair services Smithtown frequently to keep it running smoothly.
