If you're a homeowner, it's important to be aware of the best ways to take care of your HVAC system. Not only will following these tips help keep your home comfortable all year round, but they can also save you money on your energy bills! In this blog post, Bartlett & Steadman will discuss some of the most important HVAC tips every homeowner should follow. Keep reading to learn how you can keep your HVAC system functioning smoothly all year long!
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your HVAC system is to regularly replace your air filters. This will help keep the air in your home clean and free of allergens and other particles that can cause respiratory problems. When your air filters become clogged, the indoor contaminants will flow into your home’s air, decreasing your indoor air quality. Clogged air filters also cause strain on your HVAC system and can cause your unit to overwork itself. Checking your air filters every three months and replacing them as needed is one of the best ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Pro tip: If you need to take a quick trip to your local home improvement store to buy a new air filter, check the size of your current filter to ensure you buy the correct one.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
It's also a good idea to schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system. This will ensure that it is running efficiently and you will be able to catch any potential problems before they become major repairs. Not only does annual maintenance help catch problems with your HVAC unit, but it also improves your system’s efficiency, increases the lifespan of your unit, and improves your indoor air quality.
Keep the Vents Open
Another important tip is to leave the vents in your home open. This allows air to circulate freely, which helps prevent hot spots and uneven heating or cooling in your home. If you tend to close the vents in unused rooms, this actually creates stress on your HVAC system. Your system doesn’t know that the vents are closed, meaning it will still try to push air out of the closed vent, causing your system to overwork itself. To avoid an overworked HVAC system and high energy bills, keep the vents in your home open and make sure there is no furniture blocking them.
Keep the Thermostat at a Consistent Temperature
Additionally, you should try to keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature. Turning it up or down too much can put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system, which can also make your utility bills skyrocket. It’s best to find a temperature that makes your household comfortable and stick with that setting. If you’re leaving your house for an extended period of time, turn the thermostat up a few degrees to save energy instead of completely turning off your HVAC system.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Cleaning your outdoor unit, especially as the seasons change, is crucial to keeping your HVAC system working properly. As summer comes to a close and fall begins, make sure you clear your outdoor unit of any leaves, branches, and other outdoor debris that could be clogging your outdoor unit. A good rule is to keep at least two to three feet of clear space around your outdoor unit at all times.
Seal Your Home for Air Leaks
To avoid any unwanted drafts or air leaking out of your home, seal your doors and windows with weather strips! This will ensure you are getting the most out of your HVAC system. Any air that escapes your home through your doors or windows is wasting energy and affecting the temperature in your home.
Following these simple tips will keep your HVAC system running smoothly for years to come! If you think it’s time to schedule your annual maintenance or think you might have something wrong with your HVAC system, give Bartlett & Steadman a call at (781) 365-5828 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment!