HVAC Tips and Tricks Should Know

Did you know that your heating and cooling system uses as much as two-thirds of the energy in your home? That’s just one of the things to know about HVAC equipment that illustrates why HVAC maintenance is so critical. Preventative maintenance and proper care can improve the efficiency and overall performance of the system, providing affordable comfort and indoor air quality for your family.

In this guide, you’ll find excellent HVAC advice from the experts at Aire Serv®. You can explore more of our HVAC tips in the following lists we’ve organized:

Air Conditioner Maintenance: Things You Can Do

Many types of HVAC maintenance, like charging the refrigerant, are best left to the pros. However, our HVAC tips include some basic tasks that any homeowner can handle. The little things make a difference in AC and heating performance. Handling these tasks yourself keeps your system working at peak efficiency between maintenance visits. The following HVAC advice offers you the opportunity to take an active part in ensuring your system functions to the best of its ability.

Change the Filters

Changing the air filter every three months keeps your HVAC equipment working efficiently. It produces both heating and cooling more easily and for less money while delivering better indoor air quality. But there’s no reason you need to call in the professionals every 90 days. Our first HVAC tip is to learn to replace the air filter yourself.

Turn off the heat, fan, or A/C at the thermostat.
Locate the air filter compartment, typically found in the return air duct or the air handler.
Remove the cover and wipe it clean.
Slide out the old filter, making note of the airflow direction and filter size.
Insert the new filter of the same size and type. The airflow arrows should be pointing the same way.
Replace the cover securely.

Keep the Area Around the HVAC Unit Clean

Cleaning the area around the equipment may not sound like much of an HVAC tip, but it can make a significant difference to the unit’s efficiency. Anything that blocks the airflow at any point in the system makes the equipment work harder to produce less warm or cool air. So clear weeds, dirt, and other debris from the outdoor equipment and clear out any dust bunnies around the indoor unit.

Don’t Block the Airflow to Your HVAC Unit

Anything that blocks the airflow to your HVAC unit compromises its efficiency. That means it draws more energy to achieve less heating or cooling. So, check that the vents are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or any other obstructions. Clear away weeds and other vegetation in a 2-foot-wide swath around the outdoor equipment. Regularly replace the air filters. And vacuum and dust regularly.

Surprised to see vacuuming included in our HVAC tips and tricks? Dust, pet hair, and other particulates are filtered out of your indoor air by the air filters. As they build up in the filter, they obstruct the airflow.

Change the Batteries of the Thermostat

When your HVAC system has problems or stops working as it should, start with the easy stuff and change the thermostat batteries. You’d be amazed at the number of issues that are resolved with this simple HVAC tip:

Turn off the heat, fan, or A/C at the thermostat.
Remove the thermostat cover (it may snap off or need to be unscrewed).
Locate the battery compartment.
Replace the old batteries with the same size batteries, and keep the same orientation.
Replace the thermostat cover.

Advice From Heating and Cooling System Experts

As you can see from these HVAC tips and tricks, homeowners can take many actions to save money and improve the air quality and comfort of their homes.

Following our HVAC tips to keep your system running at its peak is important, but know when to call for professional help. Aire Serv professionals are there when you need them, providing comprehensive HVAC services. All our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ because the job isn’t done until it’s done right.