Much like your vehicle, your HVAC system needs to be regularly maintained to perform at optimum efficiency. Doing so will not only make it run more efficiently but will also lengthen the lifespan of your system and reduce energy costs.
Given how expensive new HVAC systems are, anything you can do to care for your system is very important. We’ll give you a few items you should check off your list before the season changes.
Changing your air filter is probably the easiest and most important thing you can do to help keep your system running properly. If your filter is too clogged with dust, pet hair, or other debris, then your HVAC must work extra hard to perform at your desired level. Over time, that can cause expensive damage to your system. Check your HVAC specs to see exactly what kind of filter you need and how often it should be changed. Don’t forget to change it!
You may have closed some vents in your house over the summer to boost your cooling system in rooms where you needed it. Experts say you should open and unblock all your vents for maximum efficiency. It’s also speculated that closing air vents can damage your ductwork. So, open all those vents and let the air circulate through your home the way your system was designed to do. Also, be mindful of any furniture or other objects that may block floor or wall vents.
Leaks in your ductwork will cause the heated air to disperse where it shouldn’t: in your attic above your ceiling. Again, this means your system will have to work harder to heat your home. You can use an incense stick or a smoke pencil for this test. Move your stick slowly over the entire ductwork. When you see the smoke move around or blow away, there is a leak in that area. Tag these areas with a marker so you can patch them up later with duct tape. And this is the perfect opportunity to, at last, use duct tape for its intended purpose!
Running a cup or two of bleach down your drain line clears it of any blockages that can cause clogs. Bacteria and mold grow inside and clog the line because of the moist environment. This task is usually done during the warmer months when your air conditioner is running and creating a lot of condensation. However, there’s every expectation we’ll all go back and forth from using our air conditioners and heaters throughout the “ber” months. This is Texas after all.
When pouring bleach, be extra careful with it. If you happen to spill any on your wife’s hallway rug, you might find yourself scrambling like a maniac to gather it up, run outside, run it under the hose, and scrubbing it furiously before it's permanently stained. Not that it's ever happened to this blogger, of course.
If using bleach is too risky for you, try using vinegar instead.
Professional furnace tuneups include a basic cleaning that removes the dust and debris in the system, improving air quality throughout your home. A tuneup may also include duct cleaning, lubricating moving parts, adjusting fan belts, tightening electrical connections, and more. It’s recommended to have a professional service your system twice a year.
Don’t forget that your thermostat needs to be told that the weather is going to get colder and that your comfort level has changed. Here are some tips:
Lower the temperature to around 68 degrees when you’re home.
Set it to around 65 degrees while you’re sleeping.
While you’re away from the house, 65 degrees is also best.
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat. Once properly programmed to your liking, it will do the job of remembering your schedule so you won’t have to constantly adjust it for every change in your day. A programmed thermostat can also save you money and energy.
If you have a digital thermostat, it may need to be “reset” in the same way you’d reset a glitching laptop or phone. Refer to your thermostat instructions for a proper resetting sequence.
A little effort on your part will go a long way to improving your HVAC’s efficiency and lifespan. You’ll stay warmer for less money over the winter. Plus, the longer you can make your system last, the better. Installing even the smallest new systems can cost a truckload of money.
While maintaining your HVAC for the colder months is important, it’s really just the start of preparing your home for cold weather. Read our blog entry for other tips on how to stay warm during the winter.
