With proper care, your cooling and heating systems can last up to 25 years. But misuse and poor maintenance shorten their lifespans significantly, resulting in extra repair and energy costs. Your cooling and heating systems make up almost half of yearly household energy costs, which increases with a poorly running system. Avoid these bad habits to get the most out of your HVAC system and save money.

What Harms Cooling and Heating Systems?

1. Skipping Regular Inspections

Broken or worn parts force your cooling and heating systems to work harder. During the inspection, an HVAC contractor will look for duct leaks, broken pieces, or underperforming areas. This allows you to address current issues and prevent extensive problems from arising. Regular inspections can reduce energy use by up to 40%. Your cooling system should be inspected annually in the spring before it is turned on. Similarly, your heating system should be inspected annually in the fall, before the cold weather.

2. Dirty Air Filters 

Air filters capture all the dust and debris floating around your home. But like the lint trap of your dryer, your HVAC filters need regular cleaning. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your cooling and heating systems to work harder to regulate the home’s temperature. In general, you should change the air filters every other month. Factors like pets, number of residents, and allergies affect how often you should replace the filters, so consult with an HVAC contractor to discuss a schedule for your home.

3. Lack of Temperature Control 

Regularly changing your thermostat raises your utility bills and stresses your HVAC system. Your cooling and heating systems use considerable energy when they turn on. To minimize that stress, set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature, and leave it alone. If your house is empty during the day, while you’re at work and the kids are at school, turn the thermostat back to save more. Setting the temperature back 7-10 degrees for eight hours saves up to 10% on energy costs.

To keep your cooling and heating systems running efficiently, trust the HVAC contractors at Inner City Trades in Somerset, KY. For over 20 years, they have been providing plumbing repairs and HVAC installation to the residents of South-Central Kentucky. They help keep your energy costs low with regular inspections, window replacement, and affordable parts. Learn more about the company online, or call (606) 678-9663 to schedule an appointment.