As all homeowners are aware, proper HVAC maintenance is a year-round responsibility. It’s crucial that your home’s HVAC system be ready to take on the shifts in temperature when the seasons change. The best way to guarantee that your family is safe and comfortable during both the summer heat and winter chill is to get your HVAC the proper care it needs. Here, we will look at some of the most important tips to ensure that your HVAC system is ready for anything that the extremes of Mother Nature may throw its way.
Knowing the HVAC Basics
Before you consider what preventive maintenance you need for your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to keep in mind how often the unit itself runs during the year. Keep in mind that your air conditioner and heating system use the same ventilation system and ductwork, so keeping those internal networks clean is crucial.
Likewise, teaching your family about HVAC unit usage and thermostat monitoring are the best ways to ensure that your air systems don’t run more often than necessary. Not only will these basic tips prevent unneeded wear and tear on the HVAC itself, but they’ll also keep your monthly energy bills lower.
With that in mind, you’ll want to prepare your HVAC system for yearly fluctuating weather and temperatures. As far as your heating system goes, a maintenance call with a professional technician guarantees that your unit is free of dangerous leaks, as well as stocked with the necessary fuel source. If you have a traditional furnace, for example, checking the machine for safety reasons is a genuine necessity for your family’s safety. However, for the air conditioner, there are a few simple tasks that you, as the homeowner, can perform on your own.
Professional HVAC technicians recommend that you change your air filters every two months, both to improve your home’s indoor air quality and make your home more energy-efficient. By preventing clogs, the clean airflow will lengthen the unit’s longevity and lower your energy bills. Likewise, having your ducts and vents cleaned after the summer and winter months will remove more allergens and contaminants while strengthening the HVAC’s performance.
Your HVAC and Regular Maintenance
There’s no substitute for routine maintenance with an HVAC technician when it comes to your HVAC system. If it’s been a long time since you’ve scheduled an air system tune-up or safety inspection, now is the perfect time to get that unit checked out. However, the basic rule of thumb for homeowners is that scheduling a routine maintenance call before the start of each seasonal shift is a good idea.
If you’ve made it through the hurricane season, it means that winter isn’t all that far off. Scheduling a professional technician to come in and ensure that your heating system hasn’t suffered any water damage is a great way to guarantee it’ll work as the temperatures drop. Likewise, running the needed tests on your air conditioning unit early in the spring is the best way to ensure that your family will have the cool air and comfort that you will soon need in the summer heat.
Keep in mind, however, that you should schedule HVAC maintenance more frequently than only a few times a year. The best course of action for a homeowner to keep both their air conditioner and heating system in tip-top shape over the course of many years is to invest in an HVAC maintenance plan. For the cost of a single annual fee, you will always have a professional HVAC expert on-call for emergencies, routine check-ups, air filter change, fuel replacement, and discounts on other maintenance needs.
