Just like your car or PC, your home’s HVAC system needs to have regular tune-ups to ensure that it runs efficiently. The difference between a well-maintained HVAC system and a neglected one can be staggering: a primed HVAC system runs better than one that has been ignored. It requires less energy to function properly, helping you save money on your electric bill.
Here are some tips for prepping your HVAC during spring before the scorching temperatures of summer invade your home environment.
Change AC Filters
You should clean or replace your filters every four weeks they are in use. Clogged filters will block the airflow through the system, which means your system will have to work harder to keep you and your family cool.
Clear Plants and Debris Away From Your Outdoor Unit
Make sure that any overgrown landscaping and other debris is removed from your outdoor unit. Rinse the unit down with a hose if it is particularly dirty. The coils and fan blades need to be clean to work properly.
Clean Vents and Registers
Vacuum off the indoor vents and registers. Hire a certified HVAC tech to clean the insides of the vents to ensure that dirt, dust, and mold are not adversely affecting the air that you and your family are breathing in your home. The HVAC tech will also be able to perform a tests to determine if your system’s ductwork is wasting energy and money. These professionals can seal and insulate your ducts to eliminate any leaks and enhance the cooling system’s efficiency and performance. Fixing holes and cracks in your system can save you up to 20 percent on your energy bill.
Schedule a Preventative Maintenance Checkup
An HVAC tech can also clean all the system’s coils, fan blades, drains, and other parts and check the overall system for troubling signs of wear. Along with replacing the AC filters, a preventative checkup is one of the best things you can do for your HVAC system to ensure it runs smoothly during the severe summer months.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat If You Don’t Currently Have One
Finally, to save money, make sure your home has a programmable thermostat so the unit will shut off during times when the home is empty. You can save approximately 10 percent on your energy bill just by turning your thermostat down by five degrees.
Prepping and maintaining your HVAC system can improve its longevity, saving you time and money in the long run. We at RCS Heating & Conditioning offer everything from servicing your units to new and improved eco-friendly products. Contact us today to see how we can serve you.