Maintaining your heating and cooling system can be one of the most costly expenses in your home. So the best way to save money is to be preemptive rather than reactive when it comes to HVAC maintenance.
Scheduling regular maintenance with a certified HVAC technician is the most vital way to keep your system in good health. But you likely already know that. However, you can do you own part to keep your HVAC system in check between service appointments.
Cold Factor, a Texas-based heating and cooling company, has provided these five HVAC tips that every homeowner needs to know. These easy-to-follow guidelines will help extend the life of your HVAC system, and you’ll likely save some money along the way.
HVAC Tip #1: Replace Your Air Filters
Routinely changing your air filters is one of the easiest procedures you’ll find on our list of HVAC maintenance tips. that’ll improve the health of your HVAC system.
What makes air filters so important to your heating and cooling system? They help regulate and improve your home’s indoor air quality by catching pollutants and keeping clean air circulating. But air filters aren’t made to last forever, and you’ll need to change them when the time comes.
There are many air filters on the market, but be aware they vary in quality and size. You’ll want to make sure you get a decent brand because even if it may cost more, it’s more than likely that the more expensive air filters have a longer lifespan than the cheaper options. Doing so will help save you money in the long run, and it’ll keep your HVAC system in good shape.
You can recognize when your air filter needs replacing by a simple visual inspection. If you see lots of dust or dentist, then it’s time to replace it. As a good rule of thumb, you should change your air filter every 90 days or as instructed by the descriptions on your filter.
Thankfully, the replacement process is easy. Just slide the old air filter out and slip in the new one in the proper direction (most models have an arrow to show you which way it goes.)
Following this HVAC maintenance tip is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your system running smoothly. However, these next few suggestions will take a little more elbow grease.
HVAC Tip #2: Keep Your Home Clean
Being up to date on your home cleaning benefits your heating and cooling system in several ways. First of all, eliminating the presence of dust helps improve your indoor air quality. It’ll also ease the stress that’s put on your HVAC unit so it won’t wear down faster than it should.
Dust and debris pile up all around your home ﹘﹘ even when you can’t see it. Combat these intruders by routinely cleaning your home, especially around any of your air vents or other HVAC system components.
And this means keeping your outdoor areas clean, too! Objects such as sticks, leaves, and dirt can obstruct your HVAC system. So you’ll want to make sure your lawn is tidy and that the area around your outdoor AC unit is clean.
HVAC Tip #3: Don’t Forget About the Inside of Your AC Unit
Many homeowners follow the previous HVAC maintenance tip, but they don’t go the extra step by cleaning the inner workings of their AC unit. Here are several HVAC system components that should be part of your regular cleaning schedule.
- Condensate Drain Line: A clogged AC drain line can cause your HVAC system to freeze or even fail to work properly. Thankfully, it’s easy to clean. Just detach the drain line and pour vinegar or bleach inside to clean it out.
- Evaporator and Condenser Coils: Whether you have an indoor or outdoor AC unit, it’s important to keep these coils clean and clear of debris. This process is vital to getting consistent airflow throughout your home. You can tell if you have a blocked coil because the unit may not turn on. And unfortunately, damaged coils can be expensive to repair.
HVAC Tip #4: Inspect Your Air Ducts
Another way to ensure you’re taking care of your HVAC system is by doing a simple air duct check. Conduct a walkthrough of your home while your unit is running to ensure all the vents are blowing out air. If you come across a vent that has no air flowing out of it, check if the vent is obstructed or fully open.
You can also check for tears in your air duct. This situation can occur when squirrels, rats, mice, or other pests get into your attic. Torn air ducts can greatly reduce airflow and cause insulation debris to blow through your vents.
Additionally, many HVAC service companies offer air duct cleaning services that’ll help your system stay in tip-top shape and improve your indoor air quality.
HVAC Tip #5: Monitor Your Thermostat
Keep an eye on your thermostat every so often to see if the temperature you’re feeling in your home is reflected in the system’s reading. If you sense that something is off, then you’ll be able to contact an HVAC repair company to inspect your unit before more damage is done.
In addition, you may want to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These cutting-edge systems make it easier than ever to see how your HVAC unit is performing, and they allow you to remotely adjust any settings.
