Scheduling routine maintenance for your HVAC system can help lower energy costs and enhance your comfort. As the New Year approaches, consider the best ways to care for your heating, ventilation, and cooling units. As a general rule of thumb, you should have your heating and air conditioning equipment inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once per year. If possible, have maintenance performed on your heating system in the fall and air conditioner in the spring. Here are a few other HVAC maintenance tips you should implement in your home.
1. Replace filters
One of the simplest things you can do that makes a major impact on your HVAC system’s performance is to replace the filters. All modern heating and cooling systems contain air filters, which is generally located near the return air duct or blower. A clean air filter plays many roles. It helps trap dirt, dust, mold, and fungal spores before they have the chance to enter your living spaces. It also prevents your furnace or AC unit from overheating or freezing up due to a blocked filter. Air filters should be replaced every 60 to 90 days in the average home or more often if a person has allergies.
2. Clear vents
Even if your HVAC system is in good working order, dirty or clogged air vents can prevent the heated or conditioned air from reaching your living space. To help maintain a healthy HVAC system and create a cozy indoor environment, go through each room in your home and clean out the air vents. Use a vacuum attachment to suck out any loose dirt or debris. Also, take the time to make sure that none of the air vents are blocked by furniture or window treatments.
3. Check the thermostat
One of the most important components of your home’s HVAC system is the thermostat. When working properly, the thermostat sends a signal to your heating and cooling units to turn on when the temperature falls too low and on when the set temperature has been reached. When the thermostat is not working as it should, you may find that your heater or AC is frequently turning on and off or the room is cooler or hotter than the set temperature. If you have an older thermostat in your home, you may want to consider upgrading to a more modern model.
4. Remove debris
Trees, shrubs, and debris can become lodged in the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. If left untouched, this debris causes components inside your AC to break. It can also affect the overall performance and lifespan of your system. On a regular basis, check your outdoor AC unit for debris and remove any nearby trees, shrubs, or plants that could be interfering with the system’s performance. During the colder part of the year, cover your air conditioning unit with a store-bought cover or create your own cover with a drop cloth and tape.
5. Get a tune up
Many homeowners put off annual tune-ups due to busy schedules or simply to save some money. Unfortunately, skipping an essential tune-up can often result in costly repairs down the road. Annual maintenance of your heating and cooling systems is one of the best investments you can make. During a tune-up, a trained and experienced HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your HVAC system to determine if it is in good working condition. If any minor problems are found, the technician can usually make the necessary repairs before they turn into more costly problems.
6. Check the ductwork
If you are experiencing problems such as a musty smell, uneven temperature, or too much humidity in your home, the problem may be with your ductwork. HVAC maintenance requires the regular inspection of your home’s ductwork to check for air leaks. If leaks are present, the conditioned air will escape through the vents before it has the chance to enter your living space. The ductwork may also be home to other issues, such as mold growth. Breathing in mold spores can cause an array of health problems, especially for individuals in the home with preexisting conditions.
7. Add insulation
Insulation plays a crucial role in your home’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures. With inadequate insulation in your walls and ceilings, you can expect to lose a great deal of conditioned air through air leaks. By adding insulation to the walls and ceilings, you can save a significant amount of money on your energy bills by creating more even temperatures in your home. The attic is one of the most important areas to insulate as heat rises. With proper insulation throughout, your heating and cooling systems do not have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.
Call for heating and cooling services
Preventative HVAC maintenance is the best way to keep your heating and cooling systems in good condition while enjoying all the perks that come with an efficient home. HVAC maintenance is your best defense against costly repairs and breakdowns in the scorching summer or chilling winter. Most HVAC work should be completed by trained, certified professionals. However, some simpler tasks such as changing out the air filter can be accomplished by the average homeowner in just a few minutes time. Taking these essential steps ensure the longest life for your HVAC system.
If you need professional HVAC maintenance for your home, call Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. in Gaithersburg, MD. We offer a comprehensive selection of HVAC services, including heating and air conditioning maintenance, repairs, inspections, cleanings, ductwork maintenance, and more. Our award-winning team of experts can help you repair your existing system for top performance or update your old or inefficient system to ensure the best efficiency based on your home and personal needs. Not sure what to expect in terms of cost? We offer free estimates on any new system installation, as well as financing with approved credit. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your service.