When you finally signed on the dotted line and became a homeowner, you entered a new and rewarding stage of adulthood. However, there’s still a lot to learn now that there’s no landlord to call—such as how to take care of your residential HVAC system. If you’re hoping to extend its life span and save money every month, avoid the following bad habits.

What to Avoid With Your Residential HVAC System

1. Closing Vents or Registers

Some homeowners believe that by closing the panels over vents in unoccupied rooms, they can reduce their energy consumption and monthly bill. However, central HVAC systems don’t exactly work this way.

There’s one machine sending treated air to all the registers in your home, so if you close a vent, the air is just redirected elsewhere. Worse, your system will sense this pressure and temperature difference, which signals it to work harder or operate longer—so your home may end up consuming even more energy.

2. Forgetting to Change the Filter

In your first months as a homeowner, you’ll be preoccupied with many tasks, such as interior decorating and yard work. However, it’s important not to let your busy schedule interfere with essential duties, like replacing your air filter.

This component is responsible for trapping airborne contaminants, and when it fills up, you’ll need to clean or swap it out to maintain a healthy breathing supply. Change it once a season to make sure it’s always adequately fresh, but if you have pets or family members with respiratory issues, every month may be the safest bet.

3. Avoiding Preventive Maintenance

Similar to dental health, there may be issues with your residential HVAC system that are invisible to you. When a professional takes a closer look inside, though, they can spot minor issues before they turn into major, expensive ones. Whether you need a belt tightened or a new fan blade, your contractor will identify and address these small problems quickly—but only if they’re given the opportunity to catch them early on.

If you’re looking for a residential HVAC contractor to assess the health of your system, turn to Comfort Solutions Heating & Cooling Inc of Foley, AL. They have been serving Baldwin County customers since 1990, resulting in over 30 years of industry experience. As an authorized Carrier® dealer, they offer high-quality units for replacement as well as repairs for any make and model. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (251) 967-4822 to schedule an appointment.  

Licenses: AL #02033 #50948