Houses take a lot of work to maintain. By comparison, your heating and cooling system should be relatively hassle-free, as long as you take a few precautions. The following HVAC service guide will help ensure your home stays comfortable year-round and your equipment in top shape. 

5 Tips for Maintaining Your HVAC Unit

1. Select Eco-Friendly Thermostat Settings

Anything that puts additional strain on your system means you may have to schedule more frequent appointments for HVAC service. 

To minimize stress, optimize your thermostat settings according to the season and your schedule. If you’re out of the house between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, for example, lower the temperature a few degrees in the winter. You can also open the window shades during the cold season to heat your house naturally with sunlight.

2. Replace Filters Regularly 

If a filter is clogged, the system will also work harder to push air through it.

Most HVAC filters need to be replaced every three months, but households with pets might need to have them changed once a month. If you use pleated filters, they will last longer because they have more surface area for trapping dust.

3. Clean Debris From Outside Units 

If you have a split air conditioner or heat pump, the condenser fan outside your home can get clogged with twigs, leaves, pollen, and other debris.

At least once a week, clear off the condenser to ensure air passes freely through the system. If you have any plants growing in that area, keep them trimmed back at least a foot away from the unit.

4. Insulate Your Home

Drafty window and door frames account for significant heat loss and expensive heating bills.

Ask an HVAC specialist to evaluate the insulation in your home and attic. Weatherstripping fixtures will also help close any gaps that might form between the siding and wooden frames over time.

5. Schedule Annual Maintenance 

All equipment is susceptible to wear and tear. On average, furnaces usually last about 20 years. Air conditioning units typically only last 10 to 15 years because the condensers are exposed to inclement weather and debris.

To ensure your system operates as long as possible, schedule routine HVAC service about once a year. This will catch small issues before they lead to malfunctions. 

 

If you need routine HVAC service or repairs in Erie, PA, the experts at Chuck Ollinger Plumbing and Heating will assist. They provide plumbing and heating service to keep your home or business comfortable all year. Visit their website to learn more about their work, or call (814) 899-2809 to schedule an in-home quote.