Proper HVAC maintenance, according to the Department of Energy, can have a significant influence on your fuel and power costs. It’s possible to cut your energy usage up to 25 percent with a little TLC for your system.

It also extends the life of the unit greatly. HVAC units are expensive so if you take good care of them, they will last a long time. Get ready for the chilly weather by following these tips.

Clean Your Air Returns and Registers

It’s possible for dust to accumulate around the vents and register after a long, hard season of use. However, that dirt is an HVAC’s enemy, as the unit will have to work harder to provide your household with warm air. Make sure to remove the grille and the floor registers to clean up your ducts.

Then, prior to reinstalling the vents, make sure they are clean. The air in your house will be cleaner and less contaminated with allergens and germs as a result of this.

Change the Filters

You should change your furnaces’ or heating pump filters every few months. A filthy filter may have a significant impact on the efficiency of your unit, so it’s important to clean them often to keep it running smoothly and save money on energy costs.

Filters that are clogged make it more difficult for your heating system to maintain the desired temperature set on the thermostat. Your system’s components will be put under a lot of stress as a result of all that hard work.

As a result, your electricity bills or fuel expenses are going higher each month, and you’re also increasing the likelihood of an expensive repair—or possibly a whole replacement—in the future. Changing your air filters regularly is a good rule of thumb, especially if you’re operating your HVAC unit on a daily basis.

Check the Thermostat Settings

For a pleasant house, you must pay attention to the settings and timing of your thermostat. The system might be overworked if the temperature is set high in the winter. Increasing the thermostat doesn’t help your house warm up any faster either.

Make sure your temperature settings are correct before continuing. Consider upgrading your thermostat if yours is more than ten years old. You may set various temperature differences at certain times of the day with newer models. It’s also possible to reduce your energy usage by making little changes to the thermostat settings.

Insulation

HVAC systems don’t include insulation, yet it’s a crucial aspect of them. In order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, appropriate insulation is essential. The more heat that escapes from your house, the more work your system has to do, and the shorter its lifespan will be.

Clean the Area Outside Around the HVAC Unit

Even if it’s winter, you can’t completely ignore your air conditioner. After a long, sweltering summer of constant use, your air conditioner is likely to be in need of a tune-up.

You should inspect the area around your outside unit for weeds, vegetation, and brush. Clear away any branches or twigs that may have dropped on or around the unit. The winter is only going to last a few short months, so getting ready now will save you time and energy come early summer.

Keep in mind little critters such as chipmunks, mice, squirrels, and other little animals need a warm place to live during the winter months too so don’t be surprised to find a few undesirable residents when you get ready to clean the area and the unit. Plug any holes that can be plugged to prevent any critters from moving in they can wreak havoc on your HAVC unit.

Protect Your HVAC Unit

You’ll need to cover your unit, so the falling leaves do not cover it or other debris such as twigs. Put a sheet of plywood on top of your unit to keep snow and ice from accumulating throughout the winter. A few bricks or large stones should be used to hold it down prevent it from flying away in severe winds.

It’s always a good idea to hire a professional to undertake an inspection of your HVAC system and perform some simple maintenance if you’re concerned about its performance. Whether it’s the first frost or the final snow, they can make modifications that will make sure you’re safe and warm in your home.

If you have any questions or need assistance getting your HVCA unit ready for the winter call Comfort Systems and one of their expert certified technicians will be happy to help.

Posted in Blog, HVAC system, HVAC Terms