3 things you should be doing to keep your heating and air running smoothly

Don’t let the wrong people touch your heating and air conditioning unit – they can do real damage, not just to your system but also to your wallet! To make sure you’re getting the right services at the right price, check out this list of three things you should be doing to keep your heating and air running smoothly

 

1) Schedule annual inspections

You’re probably used to having your car in for an oil change every 3,000 miles or so—how often is it time for a heating and air conditioning system inspection? Most HVAC systems will last at least 10 years; if you have a newer system, check with your dealer about recommended maintenance. They might also have some deals on preventative cleaning services that can help stave off major problems down the road. It’s also important to keep up with annual inspections no matter what age your heating and cooling system is. If something isn’t working quite right, these early appointments may save you from needing more extensive repairs further down the line.

 

2) Choose the right equipment for your home

When shopping for a new HVAC system, it’s important to choose a size that fits with how many people live in your home. Cooling systems can create more humidity than heating ones, which can make it harder to stay comfortable when they aren’t operating at optimal capacity. In general, 10-15% of households buy too small of an AC unit; fewer than 5% get one that is too large for their needs. On average, homes tend to require about 7 kW of cooling and 4 kW of heating per 1000 sq ft. As you move from room to room during a typical day, pay attention to what temperatures feel comfortable. This will help point you toward equipment sizes that match your specific needs.

 

3) Change your air filters regularly

Your home is filled with vents, crawl spaces, ducts, and other areas that require an unobstructed flow of air in order to operate properly. This can sometimes lead to a buildup of dust and debris, but there’s an easy solution: all you have to do is change your air filters on a regular basis. Generally speaking, you’ll want to replace them every one or two months. And while you’re at it, don’t forget about your HVAC filter as well! If you haven’t changed yours out yet, there are plenty of sites online that can walk you through how to find it. You may also consider switching out monthly based upon how often your system runs (do they run constantly when it's hot? Or just occasionally). Regardless, a clogged air filter will not only limit airflow in your house, which can waste energy—it can actually reduce its efficiency by up to 20 percent.
The more regularly you change your filters, the more efficiently your HVAC unit will function.