According to the U.S. DOE, heating and cooling account for around 48% of the total energy use in a typical home — making it the largest energy expense. But your HVAC unit doesn’t have to cause you such a headache at the end of every month. With a few scheduled maintenance appointments each year, you can help improve the efficiency of your system, which in turn, will help combat your high energy consumption.
Why is Fall Maintenance so Important?
Regular HVAC maintenance has numerous benefits — including huge savings on your utility bills due to the improved efficiency in performance. Overall, making sure you check your HVAC system at least two times a year ensures the safety and comfort of your home.
What to Lookout For During Fall Maintenance
There are a few signs that could indicate your system isn’t performing at its peak efficiency. Be on the lookout for these major issues:
- Higher energy bills
- Inconsistent airflow
- Dirty air filters
- Significant temperature changes in each room
Fall HVAC Preventative Maintenance Tips
1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
Dirty air filters will restrict your airflow, making it harder for your system to heat and/or cool your home. Realistically, you should be cleaning or changing your air filters every 1-3 months (just to be safe). If you happen to need new air filters, make sure you choose one with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 7 — and buy in bulk!
2. Unblock and Clean all Vents and Registers
Take a walk around your home. Check the return and supply vents and registers in each room. Are they clear and clean? Or are they blocked by rugs or furniture? You should never close or block any of your vents, this will create wear and tear on your HVAC system, which can lead to costly repairs. If you notice that your air vents are dirty, clean away any dust or dirt that may also prevent airflow to your vent
3. Reprogram Your Thermostat
When the seasons begin to change, the thermostat temperature has to change as well. Besides making your home more comfortable, reprogramming your thermostat can also help you save a lot of money. For instance, lowering the temperature for when you’re at work or away on vacation can help you save up to 15% on your heating bill. Typically, you can save as much as 1% for each degree that’s set for eight hours long.
4. Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
Harris Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric also offers comprehensive system maintenance for both your heater and air conditioner. To get more value for your money, sign up for our Annual Maintenance Program and receive two precision tune-ups in a year and other exclusive benefits, such as priority status, discounts, and more.
What Does Our Annual Maintenance Program Include?
Annual maintenance is the best way to protect your investment. As an annual maintenance member, you’ll enjoy thorough inspections and tune-ups designed to keep your heating and cooling systems running flawlessly year-round.
Our precision HVAC maintenance includes:
- Inspecting the full system for functionality and safety
- Checking/evaluating the evaporator coil
- Flushing and cleaning the drain line
- Checking/evaluating all caps and valves
- Testing of air filtration and changing the filters as needed
- Evaluating/testing all electrical connections
- Checking/evaluating the thermostat operation
- Ensuring all moving parts are well-lubricated
- Evaluating, cleaning, and straightening condenser coil
- Removing of dust and debris
There’s no telling when your heater or air conditioner will break down but the good news is, there is someone you can count on whether it has happened in the middle of the night, early morning, or even during the holidays — Harris Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric.