If you own a home, there are a lot of things to keep in mind when it comes to ongoing home maintenance.
One thing you shouldn’t neglect however, is your HVAC system service.
This is something that you will come to rely on throughout the year, and keeping this in good running condition will help with efficiency as well as cut down on costs when it comes to repairs and power bills.
Here are five tips to help you keep your HVAC system in good running condition throughout the year.
1. Check Filters Periodically
Making sure your HVAC system filters are replaced periodically is essential to keeping your heating and cooling working properly.
If you have pets, you may need to clean or replace these filters more often for maximum efficiency.
When you have your HVAC system serviced, be sure to ask your HVAC professional how often filters should be changed, so you can keep to the recommended schedule.
Remember to inform them of any additional environmental concerns in your home, such as smoke or pets that might cause filters to work overtime and mean that they need to be replaced more frequently.
2. Steps to Take When Seasons Change
When you are coming into either colder or warmer months, there are a few things that you can do to get your heating and cooling system prepared.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Clean out vents if you haven’t used either your AC or heating in a month or longer
- Run your heating system on a day when you can open windows to get rid of dust so this isn’t recirculated
- Check your outdoor condenser for leaves, so it can let off heat efficiently, and make sure filters are clean and ready to go
3. Check on Your External Unit
While you might focus on your vents, filters, and interior HVAC system, your external HVAC unit can be just as easy to maintain, but also easy to forget about.
Be sure to clear away any leaves or debris that may have collected over the winter months, before you crank up the AC system in the summer.
If your HVAC system includes a heat pump, your outside unit will run year round, so keep an eye on this throughout the seasons to keep it clean and clear for maximum efficiency.
4. Utilize Alternative Heating and Cooling Options
While your HVAC system should be there for you when you need it, using alternative heating and cooling options throughout the year is a good option as well.
If there are temperate days where you can utilize alternative options for your home’s temperature control, this can give your HVAC system a break and extend the life of your system overall.
On warm days, be sure to use ceiling and floor fans, and open windows at night.
When the weather starts to get colder but isn’t unbearable, try your best to keep heat in from the day by using heavy curtains and sealing windows and doors, so that cold air doesn’t have an easy way to sneak into your home uninvited.
5. Keep up With Professional HVAC Maintenance
While there are various things that you can do on your own to extend the life and efficiency of your HVAC unit, having a yearly service done can also be a lifesaver.
This can identify any issues, and ensure that small problems don’t turn into major issues over time.
A yearly service can be a great money saver as well, since your HVAC system will be ready to go the next time there is a heat wave or cold snap, instead of needing repairing or replacing when you need it most.
Conclusion
Following these tips will keep your heating and cooling system running properly, which can save you money in the long run when it comes to repairs and your energy bill.
If your HVAC system is in need of routine maintenance or emergency repair,or you know that prevention is better than cure, then contact us at (651) 294-7798 to keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly throughout the year.
