A reliable and efficient HVAC system in your home is essential for keeping your family comfortable. An HVAC system that isn’t properly maintained can be needlessly expensive, break down more often than necessary, or simply not provide the desired temperature and airflow indoors.
The following are some of the most important tips for maintaining your HVAC system to keep it running efficiently while ensuring its longevity. From regularly changing air filters to scheduling professional HVAC maintenance with a trusted service provider, these tips will help keep your HVAC system in great shape.
1. Change the Air Filter Regularly
HVAC filters are responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other unhealthy particles that are circulating in the air. As a result, they should be changed at least once every three months or more often if you have allergies or sensitivities. Without regular filter changes, your HVAC system will become clogged and inefficient.
When changing the filter, it is important to be sure you are using an HVAC filter of the correct size and type. Using a filter that is too thick can result in decreased airflow and reduce your system’s efficiency. You can find the recommended filter type in your system’s manufacturer guide, or ask one of our expert technicians for advice!
2. Clean and Maintain Outdoor Condenser Units
The condenser unit outside your home is responsible for helping the system cool down once it has heated up. As such, it should be regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent a buildup of dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris that can reduce efficiency.
It is also important to trim any shrubs or trees growing near the unit, so they don’t block airflow. Additionally, check for signs of wear and tear, such as rust or damage to the fins on the coils, and replace any needed parts. However, you should leave more complicated repairs to a professional service provider. During a professional maintenance visit, the cleaning and inspecting will be done to a high degree with our team!
3. Schedule Regular Inspections With an HVAC Technician
Regular inspections by a professional HVAC technician are essential for keeping your system in working order. During these inspections, the technician can detect and fix any minor issues that may have gone unnoticed.
They can also clean and lubricate any necessary components to ensure they operate efficiently. Lastly, they can check the thermostat settings to ensure it is set correctly to help you save energy while providing adequate temperature control in your home. For residents of Magic Valley and the surrounding areas, Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air can provide efficient inspection services.
4. Keep the Area Around Your HVAC System Clear
There’s nothing worse than coming in during the hot summer months only to find that your HVAC system has failed simply because it was obstructed by something. The area around an HVAC unit needs to be clear of any debris, clutter, or overgrowth that could block the airflow. A clear space will help to avoid costly repairs and ensure that your unit runs at its most efficient level, especially during sweltering summers or freezing winters.
Things like furniture, rugs, and boxes should all be kept far away from your HVAC system and any vents or ducts. Additionally, if you have pets in the home, keeping their hair from clogging up the filters and other components is important.
5. Consider a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can be an invaluable tool for keeping your HVAC system running efficiently while giving you more control over your home’s temperature. Smart thermostats allow you to program specific temperatures and settings and monitor energy use so you can save money on your bills.
Having a smart thermostat installed is simple and a no-brainer for most homeowners. It will help keep your system running smoothly and give you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you can diagnose the problem remotely from anywhere in the world.
6. Insulate Windows and Doors
No matter how efficient your HVAC system is, it can still be made more efficient by properly insulating the windows and doors of your home. Adding insulation to these areas can help keep warm air from entering in during summer months or cool air from escaping in winter. This will help reduce energy costs and improve overall comfort levels inside your home.
It is also important to check for any drafts or gaps around the window frames or door frames, as these can have an adverse effect on the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling systems. If you find any loose caulking or worn weather stripping, replace it as soon as possible so your energy bills stay low throughout the year.
7. Consider Using Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be a great way to help circulate air within your home since they are designed to move air in all directions. They work by pushing air downwards, causing it to feel cooler despite the same temperature being maintained in the room. This is especially useful during summer when high temperatures outside are causing your cooling bills to skyrocket.
Using ceiling fans will help keep you comfortable without having to turn down the thermostat or run your system more than necessary. It is important to note that ceiling fans should be used with other cooling methods, such as air conditioning, or they will not be nearly as effective. Ceiling fans take the pressure off the system, reducing energy costs and helping your HVAC system run more efficiently.
8. Avoid Keeping Windows Open When Using Your HVAC System
If you are using your HVAC system to keep the air temperature comfortable in your home, it is essential that you avoid keeping windows open. Allowing warm or cool air to escape from open windows can make your system work harder than necessary, which will not only cost you more on energy bills but also strain the unit itself, ultimately reducing its lifespan.
9. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
When you are using your HVAC system, it is important to avoid making extreme changes in temperature. Making drastic shifts from hot to cold or vice versa can strain the system unnecessarily and reduce its efficiency.
Instead, try to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day. This will help keep the unit running smoothly and reduce energy costs while providing comfort for you and your family. Additionally, ensure that your thermostat is set at an appropriate temperature for each season, so your HVAC system isn’t working harder than necessary.
Maintaining your HVAC system is essential for keeping it running efficiently and extending its lifespan. Regular inspections by a professional technician, keeping the area around the unit clear, installing a smart thermostat, insulating windows and doors, using ceiling fans, avoiding keeping windows open when using the system, and avoiding extreme temperature changes are all great ways to keep your HVAC system in great shape. Following these tips will ensure that your system continues providing reliable comfort without breaking the bank. By taking proper care of your HVAC system now, you can save yourself from costly repairs and enjoy cost-effective comfort for years.
At Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air, we provide electrical, plumbing, drains, and HVAC services, among other services. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
