Congratulations, you just bought your first home! Homeownership is a fantastic experience, but it’s very different from living in an apartment or with someone else. Now that you own a home, the maintenance of the home and appliances is your responsibility. Here are tips for the new homeowner to keep your HVAC unit running as it should.
#1 Don’t forget to change the air filter
Change your air filter at a regular frequency, typically every 1-3 months. The regularity may depend on factors such as whether you have indoor pets, live in a part of the country where there is more pollen, dust in the air, etc. Mark a date on your calendar to assure you check it every month. Once a filter has significant debris on it, it is time to clean or replace it according to specifications. A dirty filter makes your unit work harder, making it less energy efficient and subject to more wear over time. One of the easiest ways to prevent having to contact a heating and air professional when your unit goes out is to change the filter regularly.
#2 Don’t forget about the outdoor unit
It may be out of sight and mind, but your outdoor unit can become covered in leaves, limbs, or debris, especially after a storm. For an outdoor unit to work best, it must be clear on all sides, therefore use a soft broom to gently clean debris and anything else that may block air to it.
# 3 Understand the job of the return vent
Your return (the vent with the big filter on it) draws heat or cold as well as allergens out of the home while the the supply vents on ceiling or floor fill the rooms with air the temperature you have selected on your thermostat. When you close doors or block the return vent, your air conditioner is only doing half its job. Keep your home as open as possible to assure that air can flow.
#4 Be careful concerning furniture placement
Strategically plan your home layout for optimal airflow. Placing furniture such as a bed or sofa over even one vent can completely change the temperature of a room, making your system work harder.
# 5 Have your unit checked at least twice a year
Your unit should receive maintenance for both hot and cold weather. It should be cleaned and fluid levels checked. Regular maintenance is affordance and cost much less than a new HVAC unit.
# 6 Know how old your unit is
When you buy a home, make sure you are informed on how old the unit is. If it is over 10 years old, then it could be approaching the end of its life.
# 7 Consider energy efficiency
Today’s new heating and air conditioning systems are much more efficient than they were a number of years ago. If your unit is over 10 years, it may be highly inefficient. Check the energy star rating on your current unit. Use an energy calculator to determine how much electricity you are using and compare it to a new energy-efficient HVAC.
If you’re in need of assistance in maintaining a healthy HVAC system, call or contact Delta Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today. We’ll help you protect your investment with a little planning and maintenance, assuring your unit has a long and productive life.