A good HVAC system is more than a way to stay comfortable in your home. It’s also incredibly important for reducing your power bill. Through easy HVAC maintenance and upkeep, you can spend less on electricity and lower your long-term repair costs.
The Business Case for HVAC Maintenance
Savvy entrepreneurs know the value of long-term thinking. This is especially important when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency. While HVAC upkeep and preventative maintenance take time and money in the short run, they pay off over time. Better HVAC efficiency leads to lower energy costs and fewer repairs. Additionally, a well-maintained HVAC system can help boost your property value. For expert HVAC services, consider Balance Point Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Regular Filter Changes
Regular filter changes are one of the most important things you can do to prevent air conditioning repair costs in the future. Filters keep dust and contaminants out of your HVAC system and home. If the filter gets clogged, it causes the evaporator coil to become dirty and reduces the system’s airflow. Both of these issues can cause a breakdown.
To replace your air filter, use the following steps.
- Turn off the HVAC system.
- Locate your system’s filter compartment.
- Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one.
- Make sure the arrow on the filter is pointing in the direction of the airflow.
- Close the compartment.
- Turn the system on.
2. Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Throughout the year, the best home HVAC tips can help you maintain your HVAC system. The following seasonal HVAC maintenance tasks can help you prevent potential heating and AC repair problems in the future.
Spring and Summer
During the spring and summer, clean around the outdoor unit. Get rid of debris and plants within 2 to 3 feet of the unit. Schedule a routine maintenance inspection to get your refrigerant levels checked and recharged as needed. Then, inspect the thermostat to make sure it’s accurately sensing your home’s temperature.
Fall and Winter
During the fall and winter, remove debris from around the outdoor unit. Check your ductwork for leaks and seal them to prevent heat loss. Before the heating season arrives, schedule a professional inspection.
3. Cleaning Vents and Registers
Vents and registers allow air to flow out of your HVAC system. Closing a vent changes the system’s air pressure and causes it to work harder. Because of this, it’s important to make sure all of your vents and registers are open. Then, use the following steps to clean them.
- Turn the HVAC system off.
- Remove the registers and vent covers.
- Use a vacuum to get rid of dust and debris in the ducts.
- Using mild soap and water, wash the vent covers. Make sure they dry completely so that mold doesn’t develop in your system.
- Put the dry covers back on.
- Turn your HVAC system on.
4. Checking and Calibrating the Thermostat
A well-calibrated thermostat senses the temperature in your home and signals the HVAC system to turn on when an adjustment is needed. When fixing AC units, use the following tips to check and calibrate your thermostat.
- Use a reliable thermometer to check the thermostat. See if your thermostat has the same reading as the thermometer.
- If the readings don’t match, try adjusting the thermostat settings.
- Remove any dust and dirt from the thermostat’s sensors so that it can get an accurate reading.
- Consult the user manual to see if there are special calibration settings you can adjust.
5. Ensuring Proper Insulation
Proper insulation helps keep cool air from escaping in the summer. In the winter, it helps you lock in heat so that you spend less on your home’s energy costs. Hire a professional like Logan AC & Heating for reliability. Use the following tips to improve your home’s insulation..
- Look for drafts near windows and doors.
- If you find any drafts, use caulk and weatherstripping to seal up the leaks.
- Make sure to insulate your attic, basement, and walls to improve your home’s temperature control.
6. Scheduling Regular Professional Inspections
Through professional HVAC maintenance, you can prevent future heater and AC repairs. In the short run, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and decrease your electricity costs. With the best AC repair service and professional inspections, you can enjoy the following benefits.
- Spot problems early to ensure a more efficient system.
- Avoid costly repairs by finding and fixing problems before they snowball.
- Extend your HVAC system’s lifespan.
Energy-Saving Tips
If you’re trying to lower the amount you spend on electricity, energy-efficient HVAC tips can help. With the best home HVAC tips, you can improve your system’s airflow and home comfort. To get started on AC troubleshooting, use the following tips.
- Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans circulate air in your home, which improves your HVAC system’s efficiency. They also reduce energy costs by helping you feel comfortable and cool at a higher temperature.
- Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats can be programmed to change the temperature at set times and situations for better energy management.
- Proper Insulation: Good insulation can help you maintain indoor temperature by reducing heat losses and gains.
Save Money on Your HVAC Repairs and Upkeep
Through regular HVAC maintenance, you can ensure long-term efficiency and cost savings. If you do encounter problems, the best AC repair service can help you diagnose and repair complex issues before they spiral out of control.
