Heating and air conditioning units maintain the comfort of your home, so you’ll want to make sure they’re working efficiently. Without proper maintenance, your machines can break down, pump dirty air into your home, and require costly repair or replacement over time. Follow these HVAC do’s and don’ts to lower energy use, save money, and keep your home and family safe.

Do:

Change your air filters.

Basic air filters should be changed every 30-60 days. But, the type of air filters you have, the air quality, and factors like owning pets will mean you have to change the air filters sooner. If you’re unsure, check to see if the filter has turned grey, or if your heating and cooling system is running longer than normal. These are each a sign it’s time to change the air filter.

Schedule regular maintenance.

Getting scheduled maintenance keeps your machines running smoothly and prevents problems like taking too long to achieve the proper temperature. Your HVAC contractor will optimize your unit’s energy efficiency — reducing utility bills, extending the life of your equipment, and preventing dangerous situations like carbon monoxide leaks.

Don’t:

Leave your unit running on high when you’re not home. 

It’s nice to come home to a comfortable house, but leaving temperature controls on high will skyrocket your energy bills when you’re not present. Instead, set your thermostat on a timer, so it runs slower during hours you’re typically not home. You can also talk to an HVAC contractor about remote access cooling and heating solutions that allow you to adjust the thermostat shortly before arriving home.

Forget to check your CO detectors.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that can leak from any appliance that burns fuel such as a gas furnace or heater. That’s why your carbon monoxide detector is one of your home’s most important safety devices. Change the batteries at least once a year and use the “test” button on the outside of the case to make sure it’s working properly.

Keep your HVAC systems running as they should with help from Hufford Heating & Air Conditioning in Milford, OH. For over 70 years, their tight-knit, customer-first team of HVAC professionals has tackled the community’s toughest heating and air conditioning problems. When it’s time to replace your systems, they have access to the industry’s leading technology so you can find the perfect model. See their full list of products online or call (513) 683-2040 to schedule a service.