Seven Simple Ways to Extend the Life of Your HVAC

Your HVAC is the key to your year-round comfort, which is why it’s so important to give it a little TLC! Most of us take this essential system for granted, but by following these seven simple steps, you can extend the life of your home’s climate control and save yourself some big bucks along the way. 

Change Filters Regularly

Air filters are designed to trap dirt, dust, dander, and debris, but when they become clogged, they can cause your HVAC system to work harder. This can lead to higher energy bills and potential damage to the system. Thus, it’s recommended that you change out your air filters every one to two months, especially if you have an older HVAC or your family includes pets!

Perform Routine HVAC Maintenance

Just like how you get a physical every 12 months, another important step to keeping your HVAC healthy is scheduling a maintenance appointment with a trained technician at least once a year. Regular tune-ups ensure that your system is clean and running smoothly and they allow you to pinpoint potential issues and small repairs before they become costly problems. 

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Address Repairs Promptly

Minor issues can become massive problems very quickly! By addressing necessary repairs in a timely manner, you can save yourself time and money. Some of the top signs that your system may be going out include:

• Temperature Regulation Troubles: When you set the thermostat to a temperature, but your system just can’t seem to maintain it, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
• Odd Noises: Silence is golden, so when you start to hear clinks, clanks, bangs, and other odd sounds, it’s likely that something isn’t working properly.
• Increased Energy Costs: When your bill goes up drastically for no apparent reason, it’s likely because your system is working harder than it has to and may need a repair.

Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean & Free of Debris

It’s easy to forget about your outdoor unit, but this is yet another essential step to maintaining the health of your HVAC system. Throughout most of the year, you can leave it be, but during the fall months, leaves, dirt, and debris can build up and restrict airflow. By keeping the unit clean, you can make sure that your HVAC continues to run smoothly.

Keep the Fan on the “Auto” Setting

An actively running system may seem like a good idea, but it actually puts a strain on your HVAC. A well-maintained system is designed to keep your home at a reasonable temperature without the fan having to constantly run. By choosing the “auto” option for the fan, there will be less wear and tear on your system, you can lower your energy costs, it will keep your home’s humidity down during the hot summer months, and it allows your air filters to last longer!

PRO TIP: If you notice that air flow isn’t even throughout the rooms of your home, start using your ceiling fans! By having your ceiling fans circulate clockwise in the winter months and counterclockwise in the summer months, you can more effectively distribute the cooled or heated air, without drastically increasing your electric bill!

Other Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill Without Sacrificing Your Comfort

Choose a Thermostat Setting & Stick to It

Frequent and drastic temperature changes will make your system work harder and it will lead to a bigger electric bill! By choosing a consistent and reasonable temperature setting, you can reduce the strain on your system and your checking account.

Upgrade Your Insulation & Seal Up Leaks 

And if you’re anything like us, you’ve heard someone in your life yell “stop wasting all the bought air!”. As silly as this statement may sound, by leaving doors and windows open when the HVAC is on, you’re putting strain on your system, especially in the winter and summer months when outdoor and indoor temperatures drastically differ.

What you may not realize is that even with the doors and windows closed, you may still be wasting small amounts of bought air if your home isn’t sealed and insulated properly. By adding weather stripping or caulk to doorways and window frames and upgrading your insulation, you can help your HVAC system work smarter, and lower your electric bills at the same time!

DALCO Heating & Air Is Here to Help

DALCO Heating & Air Conditioning prides itself on being a resource for homes and businesses across the Denver area. There are many times when we come out to perform service calls on a homeowner’s furnace or air conditioner, only to discover that an issue was minor enough for the homeowner to fix it themselves. 

So, if you ever have a question, don’t hesitate to reach out! Fill out our Ask-a-Tech form or give us a call at 303.979.7541. We are happy to provide you with professional advice and tips to help you try to remedy the issue yourself!