Want to control dust and clear the air? Replacing air filters is the most
important maintenance task for heating and cooling systems. Frequently
changing air filters is the best way to keep dust, allergens, and other particles
out of your home. With a newly installed system, or a system in a home
you’ve just moved into, check your filter monthly to determine how quickly it
gets dirty at different times of the year. When a filter is matted with dirt—i.e.,
it’s difficult to see through when you hold it up to a light—it’s time to replace it.
(Most should be replaced every 2 to 3 months).
Stick to the program. Reset your thermostat for warm weather.
Programmable thermostats easily save you a lot of energy. If your home is
unoccupied during the day, you can save 5 -15% per year on energy bills by
letting temps increase while you are away. You may be one of many
homeowners who have programmable thermostats don’t use them, but new
models make programming a snap; popular ones made by Ecobee and others
even attempt to program themselves. Many, like Ecobee and Nest, are Wi-Fi
and have a phone app that makes reprogramming (& monitoring) as simple as
ever.
Do not block your supply or return vents. Air Conditioning systems and
your rooms need proper air flow. Ensure that none of your registers are
blocked with furniture, etc. covering them. Also, it really is best to keep
bedroom doors open to ensure proper airflow particularly at the return
Double-check ductwork. Check for holes or gaps in exposed ductwork, and
seal them with mastic tape or HVAC foil tape. Leaky ducts can waste 20
percent or more of your home heating/cooling energy bill. Duct cleaning is a
very popular service these days but most often is not necessary.
Ceiling-fan fun. Reverse the directional rotation by flipping the switch on your
ceiling fans to make the blades spin counterclockwise for summer. If you have
south- or west-facing windows, close blinds or drapes during the day to block
out heat coming in from the sun.
Turn off the gas and pilot light on gas logs/fireplace. After the weather is
warm enough and you no longer need your fireplace/gas logs to run, turn off
the gas and pilot light until fall. Even just the pilot light can put out heat that in
the overall picture requires your a/c to run more.
Be mindful of brush and other growth around your outdoor unit. Uncover
and trim back growth, and clear away debris from around the outdoor A/C
unit. If you have window units, wash or replace their filters. Other maintenance
tasks—including cleaning central A/C condenser coils, testing capacitors, and
checking refrigerant levels—are usually best performed only by
professionals.
Air Masters Heating & A/C Company offers Annual
Residential Maintenance plans and are a great way to assess/ensure
your system’s performance.
