7 Simple HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

In the United States, heating and cooling make up around 55% of each household’s total energy use. Whether you deal with the hot desert sun or the freezing winters in the north, having a good heating and cooling system is essential to any home. 

Having an HVAC system is important to keep your home comfortable, remove excess moisture, and provide good air quality. HVAC repairs are expensive, so it is best to prevent problems instead of making repairs. 

Because heating and cooling are essential, how do you maintain your HVAC system to keep it in good shape? Keep reading to learn about 7 HVAC maintenance tips for your home. 

1. Change Your Air Filter

One of the most important parts of taking care of an HVAC unit is changing your air filters. Air filters catch the dirt, mold, and other debris from blowing into your home. If you have an old air filter, it won’t be able to catch dust. 

Not changing your air filter enough will result in poor air quality. Having poor air quality worsens asthma symptoms, causes allergies, and can cause skin and respiratory irritation. 

Not only will changing your air filter improve your air quality, but it also will lower your energy bill. When your HVAC system is full of particles, the entire system has to work harder to produce cool air. 

When your HVAC system has to work harder, it is more likely to break down and have issues in the future. Changing your air filter will help ensure your HVAC system stays in good shape. 

2. Open Your Air Vents

Did you know that opening your air ducts is good for your HVAC system? Many people believe that keeping the air ducts closed will save money on their electric bills, but that is not true. 

Regardless of if the ducts are open or closed, your HVAC system is going to create the same amount of air. If you close the vents, that air will have no way to enter the home even though the system has already used the energy to create it. 

If you don’t open the ducts, you lower the performance of your HVAC system. Leaving your air ducts closed for an extended amount of time causes extra pressure in the air ducts, which can cause leaks.

Leaks will make your HVAC system less effective, and they are costly to repair. The best way to prevent this issue is to leave your air ducts open, and make sure nothing is obstructing them.

3. Clean off Dust

Another important part of maintaining your residential HVAC system is cleaning off dust and debris. It is easy for dust, leaves, and tree branches to collect in your heating and cooling system and cause HVAC problems. 

These HVAC problems can be expensive to repair, but if you take the time to clean the system, you can save yourself time and money. You should clean your system every month or any time there is a large storm. 

4. Inspect Air Ducts 

According to Energy Star, around 20-30% of air produced is lost through holes and cracks in air ducts. This will lead to an expensive electric bill, inconsistent heating and cooling throughout your home, and uncomfortable living conditions. 

To inspect your air ducts, you can choose to do it yourself or hire professionals. To do it yourself, you will need a flashlight, screwdriver, and camera with a flash.

Wait until your HVAC system is running, then use your flashlight to look for dust flowing out of the ducts. If you see dust, there are leaks in your air ducts. 

Another way to check is to look in your air vents. To do this, unscrew your air vents. Then, put your arm in the vents and use your flash camera to take a picture.

If you find mouse droppings, mold particles, or a buildup of dust, that is a sign that your ducts need to be cleaned and inspected by a professional.

To choose an HVAC professional, you can check out this HVAC company guide. You also may need an exterminator if there are mouse droppings. 

5. Schedule Professional Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep your HVAC system in good shape is to schedule regular maintenance. You should have your heating and cooling system inspected at least every year. 

Even though it will cost money for the inspection, you will save money on repairs and your electric bill. It also will increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, and reduce the odds of losing heat or air conditioning due to the system failing. 

6. Prevent Drafts

If you want to improve the lifespan of your HVAC system, make sure to prevent drafts in your home. When there are holes or cracks in your house, the HVAC system has to work harder to compensate for the warm/cold air entering your home. 

To prevent drafts, you should seal any holes in your attic, basement, and around the plumbing. You also should consider getting weather strips for your doors, updating your windows, and sealing your chimney. 

7. Set Your Unit at the Optimal Temperature

Did you know there are optimal temperature settings for your heating and cooling system? To find these optimal temperatures, look on the unit or in your owner’s manual.

While your comfort is important, setting your unit at the optimal temperature will reduce your electric bills and improve your HVAC system’s performance. Setting your unit to this temperature will allow your unit to work less, causing less wear and tear over time. 

You should avoid changing the temperature too often. Doing so will waste air and make your system work harder than it needs to.  

Are You Ready to Do HVAC Maintenance?

Doing regular HVAC maintenance can prevent more expensive issues in the future, improve your air quality, and lower your electric bill. If you are new to doing HVAC maintenance, keep these helpful tips in mind. 

Did you enjoy reading this article about your home HVAC system? If so, check out the home improvement category for more advice today!