Your home’s HVAC system is one of the most critical appliances in your house. Not only does it keep your family comfortable year-round, but it also helps to regulate the indoor air quality of your home. Since your HVAC system is so important, it’s essential to keep it well-maintained. Here are five HVAC tips for maintaining your residential systems:
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your HVAC system is to change your air filter regularly. Depending on your air filter, you may need to change it as often as every month or as seldom as every six months. However, a good rule is to change your air filter every three months. Not only will changing your air filter help extend the life of your HVAC system, but it will also improve the indoor air quality of your home.
2. Schedule Annual Maintenance
Like any other home appliance, your HVAC system needs annual maintenance to run correctly. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean the coils and blower wheel of your HVAC unit and lubricate all moving parts. They will also check the Freon level in your unit and inspect the ductwork for any leaks or damage. Scheduling annual maintenance for your HVAC system is one of the best ways to prevent costly repairs down the road.
3. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris
Your HVAC unit has two parts—an indoor and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coils and needs enough airflow to function correctly. That’s why keeping the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, and twigs is essential. If you have shrubs or trees near your outdoor unit, make sure they are trimmed back so that they don’t block airflow to the HVAC unit.
4. Keep Your Indoor Unit Clear of Debris
Like your outdoor unit, your indoor unit needs plenty of airflows to function properly. That’s why keeping the area around your indoor unit clear of debris, such as dust bunnies and pet hair, is essential. It’s also important to ensure that nothing is blocking the vents in each room of your house. By keeping your indoor and outdoor units clear of debris, you can help extend the life of your HVACc system.
5. Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you have an older thermostat, now may be an excellent time to upgrade to a newer model. Newer thermostats are more energy-efficient than older models and can help you save money on your energy bill each month. Many newer thermostats even come with WiFi connectivity and remote access, which can further improve energy efficiency by allowing you to control your thermostat from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Conclusion
By following these five tips, you can help extend the life of your HVAC system and improve its overall efficiency. Regularly changing your air filter, scheduling annual maintenance visits, and keeping your indoor and outdoor units clear of debris are all crucial for maintaining a well-functioning HVAC system. Additionally, upgrading a newer thermostat can help further improve energy efficiency and lower monthly energy costs.
