Good HVAC Habits to Follow This New Year

Your HVAC system works hard to keep you feeling comfortable at home, whether that be cooling you off during sweltering summers or keeping you warm during frigid winters. Do you know if your HVAC system is ready to keep your home comfortable for another year?

Here’s a list of good HVAC habits to follow at the start of every year. This is one list you’ll want to check twice.

You should get your HVAC system checked two times a year: once in the spring to tune up the air conditioner and once in the early fall to check your furnace. However, at the minimum get one check a year to find and prevent problems from becoming major issues.

Although you may think that skipping a maintenance check will save you money, it’s not a habit to overlook. Regular maintenance checks keep your HVAC system optimized and running well so you don’t suffer an unfortunate HVAC breakdown and get stuck facing the elements in your home.

If your air filter is old or dirty it can significantly decrease the effectiveness of your furnace or air conditioner. A dirty air filter means that your HVAC will have to work harder to get air moving through your home.

Your HVAC technician will typically check these during your maintenance check, but it won’t be enough to keep them clean. Aim to change your air filter once every three months at least.

Additionally, if you can find an air filter with polyester or pleated filters instead of fiberglass it can last longer and do a better job filtering.

Some thermostats allow you to program when to turn on and off the air and even control the temperature while away from home. A smart thermostat may be a great investment in the New Year to help you track your energy usage and reduce your costs.

Surveys show that a smart thermostat can save you 10-15% off your heating and cooling bill.

Even if you don’t have a smart thermostat, most thermostats have an ‘auto’ setting that will automatically turn your HVAC system on or off. You can set it to turn on the fan when your home falls above or below a certain temperature.

Leaving your fan on all the time can waste energy and can decrease the lifetime of your HVAC system.

You should check on your condenser or the outside part of the HVAC system. While the condenser is built to stand up against the elements, it can get occasional weather damage or storm damage. You should check on it at least twice a year and clear away any debris, leaves, or weeds growing near it.

Start your New Year right with these HVAC habits. You can save energy in your home, cut costs, and keep your home comfortable. Now more than ever, as we spend more time in our homes, it is imperative that we can rely on our HVAC system by practicing preventive maintenance.