What is the need for HVAC maintenance? Well, preventative maintenance on your HVAC system ensures it runs at peak efficiency. Increased energy efficiency means lower energy bills. Furthermore, your system can last longer with regular HVAC maintenance, avoiding the need for expensive repairs or replacements. Heating and cooling account for about two-thirds of the energy consumed in the average Canadian home. To save on cooling and heating costs, you need to know how to take care of your home’s heating and cooling system.
Follow these steps to maintain the heating and cooling system in your home:
Clean or Replace Air Filters
Replace or clean the air filter regularly to keep it clean. When your filter is dirty, your system will be less efficient and works harder than necessary. Before you start cleaning or replacing the filter, turn off your HVAC during filter replacement to prevent it from running. You should remove the filter, clean them gently with a vacuum or a hose, allow them to dry, and then reinstall them after drying.
Clean the HVAC system of Dirt & Debris
The area surrounding the system needs to be kept clean to ensure the proper flow of air. Remove dust and debris from the area around the HVAC regularly by vacuuming or sweeping. Wipe down the exterior of the HVAC unit with a damp cloth or mop to keep it clean. Furthermore, you can ensure proper airflow by keeping plants and debris away from the outdoor HVAC unit.
Insulate the Ductwork
Any ductwork that runs through an unconditioned space in your home, such as an attic, crawlspace, or basement, should be sealed. It is a common and inevitable part of HVAC systems that heat is lost through duct walls. Therefore, effective thermal insulation of ductwork is essential to minimize energy consumption and reduce heat loss. In addition to improving comfort and lowering energy bills, insulation will boost your heating or cooling system’s efficiency.
Check Thermostat Settings Often
Problems in thermostats often lead to malfunctions in your heating and cooling system. Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature, away from windows, doors and heat sources. This will help your HVAC system maintain efficiency and prevent it from working too hard. Check the thermostat settings regularly, so your HVAC system keeps you comfortable at home and saves you energy while you are away. Furthermore, keeping the thermostat at a constant temperature prevents the system from turning on and off.
Use Professional Maintenance Service
Homeowners can perform these steps regularly for HVAC maintenance. However, the best option is to have a professional technician do the servicing. HVAC maintenance and repairs are more time-consuming and complex than other household tasks. It is a necessity since your comfort depends on it. Nevertheless, doing it all yourself can be hectic and will demand skills and experience. Therefore, you should have your system serviced by a professional at least once a year.
HVAC systems can be dangerous to work on without proper training and equipment. Therefore, hiring trained professionals for HVAC maintenance is essential. HVAC maintenance helps identify potential issues earlier, so they are addressed to avoid sudden breakdowns. Professionals are also experts in how to handle refrigerants safely.
Choose Hamilton Home Comfort
If you are looking for professional maintenance services for your heating and cooling units, contact Hamilton Home Comfort (HHC). Hamilton Home Comfort has been providing the best maintenance in Hamilton and surrounding areas for over 25 years. If you choose Hamilton Home Comfort for HVAC service and maintenance, you can rest assured that you have made the right decision. To know if your furnace needs annual maintenance, read our article “Do Gas Furnaces Need Annual Maintenance?“.
