8 Tips for Maintaining your HVAC System

by | May 22, 2015 | General | 0 comments

8 Tips for Maintaining Your HVAC System

Have you ever wondered if you were capable of keeping your HVAC in tip top shape between service calls? You can with these eight tips that will help prolong your system while also ensuring that it is performing at it optimal strength. These tips are not meant to be used as your sole solution in keeping your system running at peak condition, a respected heating and cooling company should service your unit in the event of an issue and for regular checkups.

  1. Clean or replace your air filters every month, especially during the summer and winter months when units run longer. Dirty filters lower your unit’s efficiency and waste energy, which results in higher cost to the homeowner.
  1. Use a programmable thermostat. Set the temperature higher during the summer and lower in the winter when you are away at work or going to bed. This way you can program your thermostat to a comfortable temperature for your arrival home or waking up in the morning.
  1. Air leaks are a large heating and cooling problem in many homes. Have your windows and doors inspected for damaged seals and cracks. Add caulk around window frames and weather stripping around doors to reduce leaks. Also, a quality duct work inspection is key to an efficient and clean heating and cooling system.
  1. Clean air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed. Make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture, draperies, carpeting, etc.
  1. Preventative Maintenance is important for heating and cooling equipment to maintain clean and efficient operation. We recommend having your unit cleaned and inspected twice a year. Filters, drains, and refrigerant should be checked, along with cleaning your coil.
  1. Your home’s insulation can be a large part of energy loss. Inspect the attic and crawl space of your home for proper insulation.
  1. In the summer, close window blinds and drapes to keep out the summer’s heat. Open drapes and raise blinds in the winter on sunny days to let in the sun’s warmth.
  1. Ceiling fans (or portable fans) can help a room feel cooler during the summer months. Fans should run in a clockwise direction for summer cooling.

Do you have any tips that we did not list? If so, comment below, we would love to hear them. Should any issue with your heating and cooling unit occur, do not hesitate give and Nelson’s a call at (757) 566-3052.