Keeping up with your HVAC maintenance is a great way to save money. Your HVAC system is an important part of your home. Experts recommend that your HVAC system receive routine maintenance twice a year. In the fall, the focus should be on your heating, while in the spring the focus should be on your air conditioning. A little maintenance can go a long way in keeping home repair costs down.
First: Simple Things You Can Do
HVAC maintenance for your home starts with what you do in your home. There are some very simple things you can do to help improve the efficiency of your HVAC system that will result in savings on home energy bills and keep repair costs down.
If your system is outfitted with filters, it is a good rule of thumb to change those filters monthly. If you have a large household or pets, you may want to consider replacing filters bi-monthly. Filters are important maintenance factors for your HVAC system. They help to keep the airflow moving and also help to keep allergens in your home to a minimum.
If your main unit is located outdoors (heat pump) be sure to clear any debris away from the unit regularly. It is important that your unit has a clear airflow path. Leaf litter, grass cuttings, and other organic debris can cause problems for your HVAC. Make it a habit to clear away debris weekly.
Never cover heat or cooling exchanges in your home with furnishings, rugs, or other items. Your system depends heavily on a clear airflow for each component. You should also never close registers. Your system is designed to work more efficiently with the number of registers in your home. Closing off a register does not result in more efficient heating and cooling for your home, and it can cause problems for your system.
A Word About Insulation
When the ductwork in your home is poorly insulated, it will cause your system to overwork. Overworking your system causes premature aging of the system. Insulating your ducts and sealing them can help to improve the energy efficiency of your system by about 20% (sometimes even more) and help to reduce the level of wear and tear on your system.
Making sure your HVAC system is properly insulated at every step of the equipment process will help to reduce energy costs and improve the longevity of your system. It is an easy fix that can take a few hours of your time that pays you back in tremendous savings.
Professional Tune-Ups
HVAC service technicians can professionally tune up your HVAC system. A professional tune-up typically includes a complete system check. The technician will check your system for any malfunctions and address any potential problems.
The tune-up includes a thorough cleaning of your system. There are some studies that indicate regularly cleaning your heat exchange can save you between $5,000 and $10,000 on your yearly home energy costs. The technician will also make recommendations to improve your system’s energy efficiency and point out any problems that need to be addressed.
Early Intervention and Maintenance Are Key to Savings
Caring for your HVAC system with proper maintenance not only takes some of the stress off your HVAC equipment, but it also helps to reveal potential small issues that may turn into larger problems down the road when they are left unattended. Early interventions to make repairs on minor problems are cheaper than addressing the problem down the road when the problem is going to be larger and more expensive to repair.
Of course, by taking care of your HVAC system there is the bonus of adding years of life to your system before it must be replaced. Regular HVAC maintenance will ensure that your home is comfortable year-round for years to come.
Finally, HVAC maintenance is going to make your home energy bills more affordable. A well-maintained system uses less energy to heat and cool your home. HVAC maintenance should be at the top of your list this spring!