When fall arrives, and winter is approaching quickly, it’s time to consider some routine maintenance for your HVAC system. During these cool and colder months, the AC system will enter a lengthy hibernation period. You also need to prepare the furnace to ensure that you won’t have an interruption of service when you need heat. The U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) estimates that approximately 48% of energy is consumed for heating and cooling. This makes the HVAC system the single largest energy expense, and savings made here will have a huge impact on the household budget. In this article, we will look at six tips for preventative HVAC maintenance in more detail.

1.  Replace or Clean the Air Filters

The HVAC system relies on a steady supply of air to work at optimal efficiency. If the airflow is diminished, the indoor air quality (IAQ) will suffer as the contaminants are cycled multiple times through the system each day. But, IAQ improvements are not the primary purpose of the air filter for your HVAC system. It is possible to use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or air purifiers to improve the IAQ in many systems.

A standard air filter is different. The true purpose is to keep contaminants out of the other components in the system to prevent damage. Any improvements to the IAQ are a secondary benefit when you’re using a standard HVAC air filter. So, it’s important to keep the air flowing, and the best way to do this is to keep the air filter clean and/or change it as necessary. Most manufacturers recommend that the air filter is changed every 1-3 months and more frequently if you have allergy sufferers or pets in the home.

The easiest way to approach air filter replacement is to make a change once per month or when the filter surface is dirty or clogged. Always use an air filter with a Minimum Energy Reporting Value rating of at least 7 to get the best performance. It’s a good idea to buy in bulk to ensure that you have a spare filter on hand and save money. A clean air filter will prevent many problems in the HVAC system, the equipment won’t need to work as hard, and less energy will be consumed.

2.  Check, Clean, and Unblock Air Vents and Registers

The air vents and registers must be clean and clear to optimize the performance and energy efficiency. Many people believe that they can save money if they close or block vents and registers in unused rooms, but this is a false economy. It’s a better idea to keep them open and run the heating or cooling at a lower level in rooms that you use less. The entrances to vents and registers can be cleaned with a vacuum fitted with a hose attachment. But, this is not a replacement for professional duct cleaning, which will sanitize and clear the entire system. All dirt and dust that’s removed from the ductwork will reduce the amount of dust in the entire home, which makes cleaning easier!

3.  Preventing Home Heating Fires

It’s estimated that approximately 56,000 homes are affected by home fires each year caused by heating equipment. Safety should always be a top priority, and we have some useful safety tips that you should follow. They are:

  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Don’t plug space heaters into extension cords.
  • Never leave a space heater unattended.
  • All heating sources should have no combustible material within 3 feet.
  • Don’t use heating equipment with damaged power cords/plugs.
  • Don’t use an oven to dry clothes or provide heat.
  • Chimneys and flues must be cleaned regularly.
  • A screen/guard should be fitted to fireplaces to prevent flying embers from starting fires.

Natural gas has no discernible odor; a distinct smell is added to make it easier for people to detect a dangerous gas leak. This odor is hard to ignore; if you can smell gas, evacuate the building immediately and contact the local gas company and fire department. Don’t return to the building until you’re informed that it’s safe to do so.

4.  Reprogramming the Thermostat

When the colder weather arrives, don’t forget to reprogram the thermostat. Consider setting the thermostat for a lower temperature at night and when you leave the home. It’s interesting to note that you can save 1% off your energy bill for every 1ºF temperature reduction over an eight hour period. Installing a programmable or smart thermostat is a great way to optimize performance, control, and make energy savings. If you’re interested in a new thermostat for your home, contact your local heating and cooling specialist.

5.  Consider an HVAC System Replacement

After installation, an HVAC system will lose efficiency every year, and the only way to slow this decline is with regular essential maintenance. A heating system can last for up to 15 years, but in reality, a system that’s 10 years old would have an energy efficiency of 40-60%. So, if you have an older gas furnace, you’re probably spending too much on repairs and energy bills. The latest high-efficiency gas furnaces have energy efficiency ratings up to 97%.  Replacing the heating and cooling equipment at the same time makes sense because a matched system performs even more efficiently. If you’re struggling on with an old HVAC system, it may be time to consider a replacement.

6.  A Professional Inspection

It’s a great idea to get your HVAC system professionally inspected by a local heating and cooling technician. They can clean and check the system and make adjustments to improve the performance and energy efficiency. The technician can identify smaller issues before they develop into larger problems that are more expensive to fix. Scheduling regular inspections is a proactive approach to HVAC maintenance, it’s a modest investment, but it will save you a lot of money in the medium to long term.

If you want to schedule an inspection and essential maintenance for your HVAC system, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.