8 Care Tips for Maintaining a Residential HVAC System

Your HVAC system is an important part of your home, but it is also very expensive to repair. If you want to get the most out of your heating and cooling system and avoid a costly repair bill, consider these 8 maintenance tips.

1. Change Your Filter

Changing the filter in your HVAC system is probably the most basic maintenance task you’ll have to complete. It’s also one of the most important. The filter keeps dirt, debris, and other pollutants out of your home, and it ensures that your system keeps running efficiently. If you aren’t replacing your filter at least once a month, you should at least be checking it to make sure it’s in good working condition.

2. Keep Your Condenser Unit Clean

If you have central air, you most likely have the main unit sitting just outside your home. This needs to be kept clean if it’s to function properly. The unit itself should be sprayed with water once every season to remove most of the dirt and grime that might have accumulated, and the condenser coils should be wiped down when they get particularly dirty. You’ll also need to clear away any leaves, branches, and other debris that might be covering the unit.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat will not only ensure that your home feels comfortable, but it will keep your HVAC system working in its most efficient settings. It’s up to you to actually program your thermostat, but not having to worry about adjusting the temperature in your home will extend the life of your system and lower your utility bills.

4. Clean Your Vents

While a thorough duct cleaning is best left to the professionals, you can at least make sure that the vents covering them are kept clean. Wiping away dust with a soft damp cloth will help keep clean air flowing through your home while ensuring that your system doesn’t have to work too hard.

5. Clean Your Drain Lines

Your air conditioner works partially by removing moisture from the air. This moisture is directed outside your home via drain lines. These lines have a tendency to collect all kinds of dirt and grime, and they can even become a breeding ground for mold and algae. Clean them out regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged.

6. Seal Air Leaks

If you live in an older house, there are almost certainly gaps around your windows and doors that are letting cold air into your home or allowing it to escape. If your furnace or air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as you’d like, check for these gaps and seal them up. It’s a relatively simple task, but it’s one that will help you get the most out of your HVAC system.

7. Insulate Your Attic

This is more related to your home overall, but you should always keep your attic properly insulated. An insulated attic will help keep warm air in your home during the winter and keep it out during the summer. In other words, it takes some of the pressure off of your HVAC system so it can work more efficiently.

8. Schedule a Maintenance Visit

Finally, you should have your HVAC system thoroughly inspected at least twice a year. Ideally, these inspections should occur in the fall before the main heating season and the spring before you will need to run your air conditioner. There are plenty of HVAC repair services that can help you with this, so find one near you that you can trust.