As we enter into 2023, many homeowners are making a resolution to take better care of their homes. One aspect of your home that you should pay particular attention to is your HVAC system. These are responsible for keeping you and your family comfortable throughout the year. There are some necessary care techniques that you’ll want to implement to ensure that your air-conditioning and heating systems remain in great condition.
Get Professional Maintenance Service Each Year
If you’re like most homeowners, you have both a heating and cooling system in your home. Each system needs to be maintained by a licensed professional at least once a year to stay in tip-top condition. Additionally, many furnace and AC manufacturers require you to get your system serviced by a licensed professional, like CJS Heating and Air Conditioning, each year to keep your system warranty active.
Furnace maintenance should be scheduled in the early fall to ensure that your heating system is ready to take on the long winter season. AC maintenance should be scheduled in the early spring to prep your AC unit for the upcoming summer season. The earlier you schedule your maintenance service, the longer you have to remedy any problems that crop up before you need to rely on the system each day for your family’s comfort.
Get Problems Fixed Swiftly
All HVAC systems will experience problems from time to time. In fact, you may be surprised at how many internal components these systems rely on to function correctly. When you notice an usual noise, odd smell, or defect in the operation of your system, it’s time to have it assessed by a professional.
As a general rule of thumb, the sooner you get a problem fixed, the less expensive it will be. You don’t want to sit on a problem like inadequate cooling from your AC system, as this could end up leading to more damage to other components of your system. Generally, the more damage your system undergoes, the costlier it’s going to be to repair.
Change Your Air Filters Often
Your HVAC system will have an air filter that is responsible for trapping toxic airborne particles, such as pollen, pet dander, and dust. The average filter will need to be replaced every two to three months, depending on a number of factors. It’s a good idea to pull out your HVAC filter at least once a month.
You’ll want to hold the air filter up to a light. If you can’t see through the filter, it’s time to replace it with a new one. There are four main types of filters on the market today. These include fiberglass, pleated, washable, and HEPA. Those who experience frequent allergy flare-ups or respiratory conditions may want to invest in a HEPA air filter. The average homeowner with no medical conditions typically finds that a pleated air filter is a great mix between adequate filtering capability and affordability.
Get Your Ductwork Handled
If you have a forced air heating or cooling system, then you’re likely familiar with ducting. This is the large metal piping that runs throughout the walls and floors of your home and connects to the various vents in each room. Over time, this ductwork can develop leaks and accumulate unwanted debris.
It’s best to call in a professional to get your ductwork cleaned and sealed every three to five years. Having it cleaned will help to remove unwanted airborne toxins and boost the overall efficiency of your systems. Having it sealed will help to ensure that excess debris isn’t being pulled in from the wall and floor cavities. It will also allow more of the treated air to travel to the rooms throughout your home.
Another necessary component of your ducting is the supply and return vents that are present in each room of your home. You’ll want to set aside a few minutes each month to inspect your vents. Any objects, like plants or furniture, that find their way in front of your vents should be removed. You want to keep a good three-foot radius around each vent free from any objects to ensure maximum airflow for your ducting.
Keeping your HVAC system in good condition all starts with properly caring for it from the moment after installation. By following the HVAC care tips that we went over above, you’ll be well on your way to extending the life of your systems and keeping your family comfortable throughout the coming years in your home.