Most homeowners don't spend a lot of time thinking about their house's heating and cooling systems, except maybe when it's time for a temperature adjustment. These units can sometimes be overlooked in a homeowner's regular maintenance routine. But even just a little bit of extra care could go a long way towards ensuring that you won't have to deal with a costly air conditioning or heating repair that could break your household's maintenance budget for the year.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Change Out the Filters Regularly
Both your heater and your AC have filters that help keep the air that is being pumped back into your house clean. These filters can become clogged after a while, (think of what happens to the one in your car, for example) and a clogged filter can make your system run much harder than it should have to. Change the filter on your heater or AC once a month during its peak season.
Keep the Blinds Shut
Adding an extra layer of blinds or curtains to your windows throughout the house can act as an extra layer of insulation. This means less air will be escaping your home (or coming in from the outside) and your HVAC systems won't have to work as hard to keep your home at the correct temperature. It's always a good idea to check the actual insulation on the windows themselves once in a while as well. Better insulation in your home can reduce your energy costs.
Check All Vents on the 1st of the Month
Sometimes people get into a bad habit of closing their heating or cooling vents when they are in a particular room and don't want the change in temperature. Other homeowners might accidentally block a vent with another object without even thinking about it. Get into a habit of walking through your home and checking every vent to make sure it is open and free from obstructions on the same day every month. Also check any outdoor exhaust vents for signs of debris that could be obstructing the system.
Your heating and cooling systems are designed to last most homeowners for years, but only if properly taken care of. Change out the air filters on these systems at least once a month during their peak operating systems, frequently check all vents inside and outside the house for obstructions to make sure the air is flowing smoothly and consider keeping the curtains near your windows drawn for extra insulation so that your HVAC system doesn't have to work so hard.
Share