While your HVAC system may stay largely out of sight (and frequently out of mind), it's still one of the most complex appliances in your house, and it needs regular maintenance for both efficiency and safety. If you don't pay attention to your HVAC unit, you could be literally paying the price! Not to mention, HVAC systems without proper maintenance will wear out more quickly, which could lead to expensive replacements. To help out, here are some important tips for maintaining your heating and cooling systems.

Change Your Filters Regularly

HVAC filters are designed to be replaced every few months. It's especially important to switch them out between seasons, so the unit is prepared to deal with allergens in the air or trapped dust in the winter. Set a reminder or arrange a service so that your filters are always replaced at the appropriate time.

New filters also have additional benefits! A clogged filter will slow down air flow and make your system work harder to do the same thing, which also costs you more money. Replacing filters regularly ensures that your system stays healthy. 

Clean Out Your Compressor

AC units and heat pumps typically have outdoor units called compressors that play an essential role in heat transfer. It's very important to make sure that these outdoor units stay clean, especially the fins and coils at the heart of these components. Brush them down to keep them free of dust, and clean away any leaves or pine needles.

On this note, any outdoor HVAC unit should also be protected from the wind and elements. You don't want the wind blowing in more debris, and you want to avoid lots of rain or piled up snow around the unit so that it doesn't get damaged.

Schedule Professional Services

There are some things that trained technicians need to do! This includes checking refrigerant levels in your AC or heat pump because refrigerant can dissipate over time and may need to be properly replenished to keep your system running efficiently. A service visit to your home can also check for any signs of damage, any problems with burning fuel, and other issues that you may not have noticed.

Carefully Set Your Thermostat

The thermostat controls how hard your HVAC system works! Make sure that you don't set the temperature too low or too high. Ease off on temperature control at night when everyone is sleeping and in the day when people are gone for work. There are a number of modern smart thermostats that can automatically change the temperature for you or learn when the house is active and change themselves, which can help you keep to a good schedule if you are struggling to make your own.

Looking for more information about a specific system or model? Schedule your inspection with us at Guaranteed Services today!