New Years Resolution for Better HVAC Maintenance

While you're thinking up good New Year's resolutions to take on for yourself, why not take up a resolution to practice better care of your home heating and cooling system? Doing so can add years to the life of your system and save you a lot of cheddar in the process!

There are 5 things homeowners like you can do throughout the year to maintain the health of your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system:

1. Change the air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system and lead to higher energy bills. Maintaining a clean air filter in your home's heating and cooling system is essential for a number of reasons. First and foremost, a dirty air filter can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on the system. When the air filter is clogged, it becomes harder for air to flow through, which means the system has to work harder to circulate the air. This can lead to increased energy usage and higher energy bills.

In addition to the financial benefits of regularly changing your air filter, a clean air filter can also improve the air quality in your home. When the air filter is dirty, it can't effectively remove contaminants, such as dust, dirt, and pollen, from the air. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can be especially problematic for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

Changing your air filter on a regular basis is an easy and affordable way to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of your HVAC system. It's generally recommended to change the air filter every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and the level of contamination in your home. By following this recommendation, you can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and improve the air quality in your home.

2. Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear: Make sure to keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris, such as leaves and grass clippings. This will allow the unit to operate efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Maintaining a clear area around your outdoor HVAC unit is important for several reasons. Firstly, a cluttered or obstructed area can prevent proper airflow to and from the unit, which can hinder its performance and efficiency. This can lead to longer run times, higher energy consumption, and potentially even damage to the unit. Additionally, a clear area allows for easier access to the unit for maintenance and repairs, which can help prolong its lifespan and prevent costly breakdowns. By keeping the area around your outdoor HVAC unit clear, you can help ensure that it is able to function properly and efficiently, which can ultimately save you money on energy costs and maintenance.

3. Schedule regular maintenance: HVAC systems should be inspected and maintained by a professional at least once a year. This will help identify and fix any potential issues before they become major problems.

Regular maintenance for your home's HVAC system is crucial for a number of reasons. For starters, it can help prolong the lifespan of your system by catching any small issues before they turn into bigger problems. Regular maintenance can also help ensure that your system is operating at its most efficient, which can save you money on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, regular maintenance can help improve the indoor air quality in your home by cleaning and replacing air filters, which can help reduce allergens and other airborne contaminants. Overall, scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system is a smart investment that can help keep your system running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

4. Insulate and seal your home: Proper insulation and sealing can help keep your home at a consistent temperature, which can reduce the strain on your HVAC system and save energy.

Insulating and sealing your home can provide numerous benefits to your HVAC system. Firstly, proper insulation and sealing can help prevent drafts and heat loss in the winter, which can reduce the workload of your heating system. This can result in lower energy consumption and potentially even lower energy bills. In the summer, proper insulation and sealing can help keep your home cooler by blocking out excess heat, which can reduce the workload of your air conditioning system. Additionally, sealing air leaks and gaps can help prevent outdoor air from entering your home, which can improve indoor air quality by reducing the infiltration of pollutants and allergens. Overall, insulating and sealing your home can help improve the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system, which can save you money on energy costs and improve the comfort of your home.

5. Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by allowing you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can set the thermostat to a lower temperature when you're not home, and a higher temperature when you return.

Installing a programmable thermostat can provide numerous benefits for the health and efficiency of your HVAC system. For starters, a programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperature schedules for different times of the day or week, which can help reduce energy consumption and potentially even lower your energy bills. By setting your thermostat to a lower temperature when you're not home or while you're sleeping, you can help prevent your HVAC system from working unnecessarily hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can reduce wear and tear on the system, which can help prolong its lifespan. Additionally, a programmable thermostat can help improve indoor air quality by allowing you to set a consistent temperature, which can help reduce the fluctuations that can lead to the growth of mold and other indoor pollutants. Overall, installing a programmable thermostat can help improve the health and efficiency of your HVAC system, which can save you money on energy costs and improve the comfort of your home.

By following these steps, you can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and keep it running efficiently.