Many homeowners don’t pay much attention to their heating and cooling equipment until something goes wrong. However, some simple maintenance throughout the year can reduce much of the need for emergency HVAC repair and keep your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Here are some tasks to put on your list.

Air Conditioner

Air conditioners should be cleaned and inspected at least once each season. This includes cleaning the evaporator coils to facilitate more efficient heat exchange and emptying the condensate tray or cleaning the drain to ensure that condensation can easily filter through the system. The outdoor unit can also sometimes get crowded by long grass, tree branches, or brush, which can hinder airflow. Trim these items regularly to prevent issues.

Heater

Your heating system should also be inspected each season. When you’re getting ready to turn it on for the year, make sure that all boxes and debris are away from the furnace. Keep an eye out for any rust or cracks and call your HVAC contractor if you notice them. Additionally, you should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed near the furnace and test them regularly to improve safety conditions.

Air Quality

Both AC units and heaters use filters to catch dust and other solids that travel through your ventilation system. Check these filters every few months, or more often if you have pets, and change them whenever there’s a visible layer of debris. You may also want to use a dehumidifier in the summer to limit moisture and mold in the air, along with a humidifier to add moisture to the air each winter.

HVAC contractors can help you with many of these maintenance items during seasonal inspections. Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating has been serving homeowners around La Crosse, WI, for more than 100 years. The team is available 24/7 to provide emergency HVAC repair. They also provide plumbing services, including sewer cleaning, water softener installations, and water heater repairs. Visit the company’s website to see a full list of services. To request HVAC repair or another service, call (608) 782-1700.