Your heating system serves an important role in your home, so it’s important to keep it in good working condition. HVAC units experience wear and tear over time, but you can extend the lifespan of your heating system by regularly performing preventative maintenance. Not only will this help the system last longer, but it can also lower your utility bills by allowing the unit to heat your home more efficiently.
1. Replace the Filters
When the air filters are clogged or dirty, the system has to work harder to pull the air through. This leads to increased wear on the unit, higher energy costs, and an inability to keep your home comfortably warm. Different HVAC systems use different types of filters, and each needs to be changed or cleaned at a different frequency. Some should be replaced every month, and others can last for six months or longer. Follow the recommended schedule for your HVAC unit to keep the system in proper working condition.
2. Clean the Vents
Clean vents allow air to flow efficiently into each room of your home. Every few months, check the air registers throughout your house. If the grilles look dusty or dirty, you should wipe them down or vacuum them. You can also improve your HVAC system’s functioning by making sure the air vents are unobstructed. When the vents are covered by furniture, rugs, or curtains, your heating system will struggle to warm up your home.
3. Seal the Ductwork
Leaky ducts can result in a great deal of wasted heat. You can use mastic sealant or metal tape to insulate the ducts throughout your home, which will help keep heat inside the system. Many homeowners choose to hire an HVAC professional to seal the ductwork to get the best possible results.
4. Know the Warning Signs
HVAC problems often start small and quickly escalate, so recognizing the warning signs that your heating system is damaged can help you avoid more costly repairs. An unexplained increase in your heating bill is one of the most common signs that the system is working harder than usual. Strange noises and smells can indicate an HVAC issue, too. You might also notice that your heating system isn’t warming up your home to the desired temperature or that there are cold spots throughout the house. At the first sign of a problem, you should contact an HVAC professional for an evaluation.
5. Set the Thermostat Carefully
Setting your thermostat strategically will allow your heating system to work as efficiently as possible. Try not to set the temperature above 70 degrees in the winter as maintaining too high of a temperature will increase wear and tear on the system. At night or when you’re away, decrease the temperature to around 62 degrees to conserve energy.
6. Schedule Professional Maintenance
A yearly tune-up with an HVAC expert is one of the best things you can do to keep your heating system in good condition. Your HVAC technician will inspect the system for signs of damage and repair any minor issues before they get worse. They’ll also give you advice on how you can extend the lifespan of your specific heating system. As the weather starts to get colder, reach out to a trusted HVAC professional to make sure your system is prepared for the winter.