During the colder months, homeowners should ensure their furnaces run as efficiently as possible. Even a minor problem can cause your system to use more energy than necessary, increasing utility bills and causing wear and tear to the unit. The following tips can help you maximize efficiency and keep the system in working order for longer.

4 Tips to Keep Your HVAC System Running Well

1. Check Furnace Filters

Air conditioners and furnaces rely on filters to help eliminate contaminants from the air and improve indoor air quality. Even if you don’t suffer from seasonal allergies, filtered air helps you breathe easier. Check the filters on your system weekly to ensure they haven’t become coated in dust and debris. A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy use and utility bills.

2. Clean Ducts & Registers

Just like every other part of an HVAC system, the ducts and registers throughout the house can attract dust and debris. As air blows through the ducts, it picks up the debris and circulates it into the home. Your heating contractor can do a more thorough job of cleaning ductwork, but you should still take the time to wipe away any dust or debris you see clinging to registers and vents.

3. Use Fans

Fans can circulate the treated air that your HVAC system pushes out. This helps reduce the amount of energy your system uses to keep the home at an optimum temperature. Just as you use fans in the summer to circulate cooled air through the home, you can use those same fans—operating in the reverse direction—to help spread the heated air through rooms.

4. Choose an Ideal Location for the Thermostat

Some homeowners think they need HVAC repairs when they only need to move the thermostat. If your thermostat is located near a source of heat, such as next to an air vent or in direct sunlight, you may notice that the system doesn’t activate as it should. It senses the temperature in its vicinity and instructs the system to adjust appropriately. Place it in a corridor or in frequently used rooms to ensure the unit only activates when it should.

Wheeling Heating & Cooling in Martins Ferry, OH, will evaluate your system to identify mechanical problems early, so you won’t be left without heat in the winter. They offer 24-hour service and handle issues as quickly as possible. To request an appointment, call (304) 233-0699. To explore their services, visit them online.