Knowledge Center

The Secret To DIY HVAC Maintenance

Maintaining your home HVAC system can seem like a daunting thing. However, it does not need to be confusing, frustrating or problematic. In fact, there are several things that you can do to maintain your HVAC system and even improve its performance and efficiency. Here are the top ways to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible, no matter the season, while spending less money on your heating and cooling needs.

The most important thing to do is to check the filter in your HVAC system. Over time, your air filter will become clogged up with dust, debris, allergens and pollutants. When this happens, it restricts the amount of air that the system can move, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to achieve the same results. Obviously, this requires more energy. Therefore, you pay more. However, it also creates dramatically higher wear and tear, so you might actually be cutting short the lifespan on your system can a significant amount.

You should also take the time to clean out your air vents every month. Dust and debris buildup in your vents can block air from actually reaching the rooms of your home, but it can also force your heating and cooling system to work far harder than it should. By dusting and vacuuming out your air vents on a monthly basis, you ensure that your system operates correctly and you can enjoy better indoor air quality.

If you are having problems maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home, you can take several steps. These will not only help you stay more comfortable, but reduce the power consumption of your heating and cooling system. One of the most important tips is to ensure that your attic is properly insulated, as this is the prime area for heat and cooling loss.

Another important tip is to make sure that you have all air leaks in your home sealed. Check the attic, the basement, all crawlspaces and the space around doors and windows. These areas can cause serious problems and allow your conditioned air to escape from your home. This causes your HVAC system to run longer and more frequently than it should, increasing wear and tear, as well as increasing power consumption in your home.

Perhaps the most important thing to do is to actually have your heating and cooling system inspected by a professional. Whether you have noticed that your cooling system is not doing its job correctly or that your home doesn’t stay as warm as it should, an HVAC professional can help.