As one of the most important — and expensive — components of your home, your heating and cooling system needs to be well maintained in order to provide optimal efficiency. When you think of HVAC maintenance, you probably think of professional inspections. While this is certainly very true, there are many small daily habits you can take part in that extend the life of your heating and cooling system.
Small, consistent actions not only reduce wear and tear and improve performance, they help prevent unexpected costly breakdowns. Check out these easy habits that will give you the most life out of your heating system in Metro Detroit between professional service visits.
Check Air Filters Regularly
First, the easiest way you can make sure your system is running as it should is to change or clean your air filters every month. As a general rule, these filters should be replaced every few months – more frequently if you have pets, smoke, or live near a construction site.
Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder to maintain comfort. This adds strain to the components, driving your energy bills up and detracting from indoor air quality.
Keep Vents and Registers Clear
Blocked vents also restrict airflow, leading to uneven temperatures throughout your home. Make sure furniture, rugs, curtains, and other objects are kept well away from vents and registers. Open airflow reduces stress on the system and improves comfort in every room.
Use Your Thermostat Wisely
Keep consistent temperature settings day to day. When you constantly adjust your thermostat, this places additional strain on your HVAC system. A programmable or smart thermostat can make a big difference, as they automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule. This prevents your system from having to kick on and off all day long when you’re not there.
Clean the Area Around Outdoor Units
Your system’s outdoor unit needs adequate airflow to function properly, but can become hampered by the presence of debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and dirt.
- Clear debris regularly
- Trim plants and shrubs back
- Don’t place objects on or near the unit
Listen For Odd Sounds
If you hear rattling, buzzing, grinding, or squealing, don’t ignore them. These sounds can signal loose components, airflow issues, or mechanical problems that should be addressed promptly. When you catch small issues early on, you can prevent them from getting worse and leading to even higher repair bills.
Review Your Energy Bills
Inefficient HVAC systems can result in sudden spikes in energy bills, often caused by dirty filters, airflow issues, thermostat problems, or old components. Keep an eye on your energy usage. If you see anything drastic or unusual and can’t attribute any other cause, your inefficient heating system could be to blame.
Don’t Overwork the System
It can be tempting to set your thermostat to extreme temperatures in an attempt to cool or heat your home faster on extremely hot or cold days. However, this only serves to increase strain, minus the fast results.
Instead, use ceiling fans, close blinds during the afternoon on summer days, and seal drafts during winter to support your HVAC system performance.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Once a Year
The above small daily habits are no substitute for professional attention in the form of maintenance agreements and regular inspections. During these visits, your technician will clean internal components, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and ensure safe operation.
Small Habits Make a Big Impact
You don’t have to make drastic changes to extend the life of your heating and cooling system. Just make mindful, consistent efforts to maintain airflow, monitor performance, and support your system. Not only will you be more comfortable, you will lower your energy costs and face fewer surprise repairs.
Schedule Maintenance With Warm or Breezy Today
Schedule a professional maintenance visit to protect your comfort, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your heating and cooling system. Give us a call at (586) 335-3044 today.