If you’re a first-time homeowner, it takes work to guarantee the interior remains warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you don’t stick to a regular maintenance schedule, the furnace and AC unit won’t run as efficiently as possible, diminishing air quality and causing a spike in energy costs. To be a responsible HVAC owner, here are a few blunders to avoid that could cut short the life of your investment. 

3 Habits to Break to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

1. Adjusting Temperature Frequently

If you adjust the thermostat often throughout the day, it causes more strain to the furnace and AC unit. To give the system a break, find other ways to maintain interior comfort. Closing blinds during the middle of the day, for example, will keep out the sun’s heat, so you don’t have to crank the air conditioner. Installing no-heat light bulbs throughout the house and insulation in the attic will also keep your space cool during the warmer months.

2. Forgetting to Change the Filter

The filter to the furnace and AC unit should be checked once a month for debris buildup and changed at least every three months. Otherwise, the screen will become too clogged with pet dander, pollen, dirt, and other particles, and the system won’t function properly. Because airflow is blocked, the air handler has to work harder, causing premature wear. The compressor can also overheat and break down, too. 

3. Keeping Vents & Registers Closed

Air flows into living spaces through vents and registers. Although you can close the fixtures, doing so alters how much square footage needs to be heated or cooled. This changes how the system functions, which could lead to cycling problems that increase the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

For maintenance and repairs to improve furnace and AC unit performance in your new home, contact the professionals at Donovan & Jorgenson. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau^®, the HVAC contractors have been providing homeowners in the Greater Milwaukee, WI, area with reliable, effective heating and cooling solutions and seasonal upkeep advice since 1985. Visit the cooling and heating contractors online to learn more about their financing options.