Monthly Tips for Maintaining Your HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system is designed to keep you comfortable, regardless of the temperature outside.

Not only is it important to maintain your systems throughout the year for a comfortable home environment, but proper and regular maintenance on your HVAC system will save you money on your energy bills and may prevent costly breakdowns and repairs.

We are more than happy to help folks in the Denver metro area with HVAC repair and emergency service, but there are things you can do each month to keep your systems in top shape so that we’re not visiting too often.

Here is our monthly checklist for maintaining your HVAC system: 

AIR CONDITIONING MAINTENANCE

Your air conditioning unit will be tested during the summer’s heat, but with regular attention, it should be up to the job.

1) CALL YOUR HVAC SERVICE PROVIDER

Call your HVAC repair provider to perform a professional full inspection, cleaning, and tune-up each spring. This will ensure that you have a solid foundation, and can identify any issues that need to be addressed before you find yourself in desperate need of cool air.

2) KEEP YOUR CONDENSER UNIT IN A SHADED SPOT

Keeping your air conditioner condenser in the shade increases the efficiency of the unit. In the shade, the A/C unit will not have to work as hard to cool the air surrounding it before sending that cooled air into your house.

If possible, find a shaded location under the protection of trees but be sure the unit is properly ventilated.

According to the US Department of Energy, smart landscaping can protect your HVAC systems and insulate your home year-round, reducing annual energy costs by $100 to $250.

3) REGULARLY CHECK FILTER, COILS, AND FINS

Take the time to check on the filter, coils, and fins.

Air Filter: Changing the air filter on your air conditioner once per month will help maintain the unit’s efficiency. Not only will your A/C unit benefit from a filter change/cleaning, but allergy sufferers will notice fewer allergens in the air, as well.

Coils: The condenser coil and the evaporator coil are important and require cleaning once per year.

Fins: Regularly cleaning the fins of your air conditioning unit will promote optimum efficiency.

4) USE A SCHEDULE ON YOUR THERMOSTAT

Raise the temperature setting on your thermostat when you are away and only use the cooler temperatures when you are home. This simple step will save some wear on your air conditioning unit.

If no one is home during the workday, you can set the system to come on again an hour or so before you return to get the comfortable cool you’re after. Aside from preventing premature aging of your air conditioner, you will also save a significant amount on your energy bill.

HEATING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

1) CALL YOUR HVAC SERVICE PROVIDER

As with your air conditioning unit, you will want to call an HVAC repair professional to assess your heating system before the cooler temps settle in.

Having your heating system checked for any malfunctions or maintenance issues is important not only to keep your family warm, but also to keep your home safe. Some heating system troubles can cause deadly carbon monoxide leaks and should be checked prior to the fall and winter.

2) CHANGE THE FILTER

Changing the filter will extend the life of your heating system.

The air filter protects your home and those within it from dirty air, pollen, animal dander, mold, and more; breathing these elements can be a detriment to your health.

A fresh or clean air filter will improve the air quality in your home and keep your heating system running more efficiently.

3) CLEAN YOUR DUCTS

If your heating is run through a duct system, it is a good idea to schedule a cleaning of the ducts. This process can ensure that your heating system does not have to work too hard to push the heat throughout your home.

4) USE A SCHEDULE FOR YOUR THERMOSTAT

Similar to the summer, using a schedule on your thermostat will put less pressure on your heating system during the fall and winter months.

Set your thermostat to a cooler temperature when asleep or at work to save energy costs and the functionality of your heating system.

5) CHECK FOR HEAT BLOCKAGES

Having any type of furniture or rugs blocking heating vents can cause undue stress on your entire HVAC system.

Check rooms to ensure that items have not fallen in front of your vents, or that you blocked something unintentionally.

ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

Equipping your home with the most updated energy-saving measures will ensure that your HVAC system works most efficiently and effectively.

Here are some additional steps and measures you can take to maintain your HVAC system:

  • Install energy-efficient windows. These windows will insulate your home from outdoor temperature fluctuations and prevent warm/cool air from escaping outside.
  • Keep windows and doors closed. Again, this will prevent you from heating or cooling the outdoors, and save on energy costs.
  • Seal any holes, cracks or leaks around windows and doors.
  • Be sure that ceiling fans turn in the proper direction. In the winter months, the fan should turn clockwise. It will draw cool air upwards and redistribute the warmer air that has gathered near the ceiling. In the summer, the fan should turn counterclockwise.
  • Check your duct system for unsealed areas or disconnections. Sealing or fixing these can increase your HVAC system’s efficiency.
  • If your house has a chimney, be sure that it is clear of debris and properly sealed so hot or cool air cannot escape. 

WHEN TO CALL PROFESSIONAL HVAC REPAIR TECHNICIANS

Routine maintenance is essential for keeping your HVAC system functioning properly. As a homeowner, you can handle some tasks, like changing filters, but others are best left to the professionals.

Schedule annual maintenance for both your heating and air conditioning systems to ensure that all elements are functioning as they should. Failure to properly maintain your systems could have disastrous consequences.

The HVAC experts at Heart Heating & Cooling in Denver understand just how important it is to have your home serviced by trained technicians. We have built a solid reputation as a locally-owned business providing reliable and thorough service. We know how your HVAC system works, and we are standing by to help you in an HVAC emergency or for regular seasonal maintenance. Contact us today for your heating and air conditioning needs.

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