Your home’s heating and air systems are a lot like a grumpy toddler—when they’re happy, everyone is comfortable. When they’re not, well, you know. But unlike a toddler, your HVAC system gives you subtle clues before it throws a full-on tantrum (also known as a costly breakdown).
The key to a smoothly running system is a little love and attention. Think of it as preventative care. Here are five easy tips you can follow to keep your HVAC system humming happily and save yourself a major headache down the road.
1. The Simple Swap: Change Your Air Filter
This is the number one, most important thing you can do for your system. A clogged, dusty filter is the equivalent of trying to breathe through a pillow. Your HVAC has to work harder to pull air in, straining the motor and reducing its efficiency. Check your filter every month, especially during peak heating or cooling seasons. If it looks grey and covered in fuzz, it’s time for a new one. This simple, affordable task will drastically improve your system’s performance and air quality.
2. Give the Outdoor Unit Some Space
Your outdoor unit (the big metal box) needs to breathe. It releases heat from your home, and if it’s surrounded by a fortress of overgrown shrubs, grass clippings, or other yard debris, it can’t do its job effectively. Make sure there’s at least two feet of clear space around the entire unit. Get out there and clear the area. Your HVAC unit (and your energy bill) will thank you.
3. Don’t Close Vents in Unused Rooms
It might seem logical to close vents in rooms you don’t use to “save energy,” but this can actually harm your system. HVAC systems are designed to operate with a certain amount of air pressure. When you close vents, it disrupts this balance, causing pressure to build up. This forces your system to work harder, leading to potential wear and tear on the fan motor and decreased efficiency. Keep those vents open to allow for proper airflow throughout your home.
4. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. A smart thermostat is a great way to manage this and save money. A programmable thermostat is designed to let you adjust the temperature when you’re not home, reducing the workload on your system. Setting the temperature a few degrees higher in the summer (or lower in the winter) when you’re away can save you a significant amount on your energy bills without sacrificing comfort when you return.
5. Call in a Professional
While the above tips are a great start, there’s no substitute for a professional tune-up. An annual check-up from a certified technician is like a full physical for your HVAC system. We’ll inspect, clean, and lubricate the components you can’t see, check refrigerant levels, and identify potential issues before they become major problems. It’s the best way to ensure your system is running safely and efficiently.
