Keeping your heating and cooling systems in good working order means your utility bills will be lower, your home will be more comfortable, and you’ll need to call for repairs less often.
Maintenance Scheduling
- Schedule a maintenance service call before the heating season starts. If there are any problems with your system, it’s better to find out before it’s freezing outside! Do the same for your cooling system before sweltering season begins.
- With the proper maintenance and care, your heating and cooling equipment will operate dependably for many years. Listed below are some tips and suggestions you can use to save cost on your utility bills and prolong the life of your heating and air conditioning equipment.
Filters
- Inspect your heating and cooling air filters every month that they’re in use. Operating your system with old, dirty filters means energy is wasted and your system may even be damaged. While you’re at it, check and clean the filters in your home’s air cleaners and humidifiers.
System Checks
- If you have a forced air heating system check your furnace’s blower compartment and blower coils. Vacuum them if you see dirt and dust there. You should also check fan belt tension, and lubricate fan and motor bearings.
- If you have a steam system, check the shut-off valve for leaks.
- Bleed hot water system radiators at least once a year.
- Don’t keep clutter near your furnace. It’s a fire hazard, and may keep your system from operating efficiently.
- To make sure you’re getting the most out of your heating system, keep the heating registers and vents throughout the house free of dust, dirt, and pet hair by vacuuming them at least once a year.
- Listen for odd sounds when your heating or cooling system kicks in. If you hear anything unusual, get in touch with your service professional so you can head off problems before they become serious.
- In winter months, set your ceiling fan at its slowest speed and reverse it in order to gently push warm air down from the ceiling without generating a breeze.
- Set the thermostat
- Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. For your air conditioner, keep the thermostat set at 78 or higher. Keep your electric heater thermostat set between 65 and 70 degrees.
- Keep the air filter clean
- The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently is by cleaning or replacing the filters in your units on a regular basis.
- Check Level
- Make sure your outdoor coil stays in a level position. If the support for your outdoor coil shifts or settles and the unit is no longer level, re-level it to make sure moisture drains properly out from under the unit.
- Keep vents and grilles unobstructed
- Keep furniture and other obstructions away from return air grills. In addition, you should always keep the area around the outside of your heat pumps or air conditioning unit clear of grass and other obstructions.
- Keep heat away from the thermostat
- Make sure no heat-generating appliances such as lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment are near your thermostat.
- And finally. Always have your HVAC system inspected and serviced by Air Temp.
