Remembering a few HVAC tips can go a long way toward improving indoor comfort and lowering monthly cooling and heating costs. It can also reduce wear and tear on HVAC components and enhance the reliability of your unit. While bi-annual maintenance tune ups by a certified technician is still vital to ensure that all systems are up to specs and working as they should, the following basic HVAC tips are doable by most homeowners. Here are a few suggestions:
- Replace the air filter. A dirty, clogged air filter is often the cause of poor cooling and heating performance, as well as of higher monthly costs. Consult your HVAC contractor for advice about the optimum filter-replacement interval in cooling and heating seasons.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear. The outdoor component of the central AC system is vulnerable to weeds and bushes that obstruct airflow into and/or out of the unit. Cut back overgrowth to establish an open zone of 3 feet on all sides of the unit. Don’t store objects such as garden tools, hoses, and other objects on top of the unit.
- Keep air vents in all rooms open and unobstructed. Closing supply air vents in one or more rooms can unbalance airflow throughout your home, making comfort control difficult and raising operating costs. Make sure the central return air vent — or individual returns in separate rooms — aren’t obstructed by furniture or curtains.
- Choose an optimal thermostat setting for both summer and winter. It’s a good idea to get advice from your HVAC technician about the ideal temperature settings for both AC and furnace during day and night. Once you have the information, set the thermostat accordingly. Stay consistent and avoid making casual temperature adjustments for only short periods of time.
- Have your ducts inspected, as HVAC ductwork doesn’t get much attention. Ductwork is checked during maintenance tune ups from most HVAC contractors. An inspection by a qualified technician may reveal issues such as air leakage, disconnected segments, and internal contamination such as mold growth. This is one of the HVAC tips that can save money as well as ensure comfort control and a healthy indoor environment.
