Performing regular HVAC maintenance is the perfect way to ensure your heating and cooling system has a long life span. Combine routine care with a few insider tips, and you can keep the HVAC system in top shape for many years to come. Here are five steps to follow at home.

Maintain Your HVAC With This Advice

1. Change the Filters

Switch the air intake filters every two to three months to improve indoor air quality. These simple cotton, fiberglass, and polyester systems prevent contaminants like hair, dander, fur, and dust from entering the duct system and irritating allergies. Taking out dirty filters prevents clogs that can slow HVAC efficiency and increase your utility bill.

2. Get Regular Duct Cleanings

Have an HVAC maintenance professional clean out the ductwork every year to remove debris that made it past the filters. They’ll take out contaminants like hair and dust that can mix with water vapor and encourage mold growth. Cleaning the ducts limits the likelihood of clogs and inefficient HVAC operation while improving air quality.

3. Use Humidifiers

Every home should feature portable or whole-house humidifiers that adjust water vapor levels inside the house. Using a dehumidifier in the summer pulls water out of the air and makes it more comfortable. Adding humidity to the home during the winter months should reduce skin and eye irritation often associated with using a furnace.

4. Upgrade to Zoned Systems

Zoned heating and cooling systems allow you to control the temperature in every room. Instead of setting one temperature for the entire house, you can use a lower setting for the kitchen to keep it comfortable even when the oven is on. Turn up the heat in the bathroom, so it’s not as jarring getting out of a hot shower into a cold room.

5. Install a Smart Thermostat

Stop manually adjusting the thermostat every time the temperature changes outside. This older system is inefficient and may increase utility bills. Instead, install a smart control that allows you to change the thermostat from anywhere you have internet. These innovative devices can even alter the home temperature based on the weather outside, keeping your family cozy and saving you money no matter the conditions.

Homeowners interested in professional HVAC maintenance should contact the technicians at Ziegler Heating Company in Ashtabula County, OH. The expert business has offered service within 20 miles of the city for almost 80 years. Call (440) 969-1141 or visit the website for information on their residential and commercial heating and cooling services like installation, repairs, and HVAC maintenance.