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How you handle your HVAC care can greatly affect your comfort and financial status. Accounting for over half of total household energy consumption, home heating and cooling systems indeed bear significant weight on your monthly budget.
Therefore, optimal HVAC care is essential for reducing the cost of bills, repairs, or replacements. Based on insights from Forbes, here are ten HVAC care tips to keep your system in top shape all year round.
1. Regular Professional Maintenance
For comprehensive HVAC care, consider scheduling professional preventive maintenance twice a year- during spring for the air conditioning and in fall for heating. These inspections allow professional technicians to fully service, inspect, and troubleshoot your system, optimizing efficiency and averting breakdowns.
2. Frequent Filter Change
One simple yet crucial step in HVAC care is frequent filter changes. Filters prevent dust and other particles from circulating throughout your home. Clean filters improve indoor air quality and promote energy efficiency as they enhance system airflow.
3. Regular Visual Inspections
Besides professional help, you can contribute to HVAC care through regular visual inspections. Monitor various aspects of your system, such as the thermostat, the condensate system, and all registers and returns. Paying attention to the details can prevent small issues from escalating.
4. Keep Indoors Clear of Clutter
Keeping the area surrounding your indoor HVAC unit free from clutter reduces dust accumulation, improves air circulation, and enhances system efficiency. This can also help in minimizing potential fire and tripping hazards, making it safer to perform repairs and maintenance.
5. Clean and Clear Outdoor Units
Outdoor HVAC units accumulate debris from leaves, twigs, or grass clippings, hampering airflow. Regularly clean your outdoor unit and maintain at least two feet of clear space on all sides for better airflow and efficiency.
6. Regulate Home Temperature
Careful home temperature regulation is another aspect of HVAC care that can lead to significant savings. Avoid running your HVAC excessively, especially when you’re away from home or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can help automatically regulate the temperature depending on the time of day.
7. Regular Thermostat Battery Changes
Remember to change the batteries at least once a year for battery-powered thermostats to avoid potential issues.
8. Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detector
If your home heating system is combustion-based, a carbon monoxide detector is crucial for safety. Regularly test your detector and change its batteries twice a year.
9. Monitor Energy Bills
Observing your energy bills can reveal potential issues with your HVAC system. If consumption increases without a parallel increase in usage, this might point to a problem that requires professional attention.
10. Consider Total Replacement
Finally, remember that every HVAC system has a lifespan, typically between 15 and 25 years. When your system shows signs of aging, such as dwindling energy efficiency or increasing repairs, consider planning for a replacement.
Final Thoughts
Adopting these techniques for diligent HVAC care will extend your system’s lifespan and maintain a higher efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
At Tri County Heating & Air, we fully understand this commitment and are here to support you in maintaining your HVAC system. Remember, a well-cared-for HVAC system is an investment in your home and your total comfort and well-being.