Keys to Maintaining Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems

Keeping your heating and cooling systems running as efficiently as possible is good for you on many levels. It saves you money on your utility bills, of course, but it also minimizes your carbon footprint, which is better for the environment. And finally, efficient heating and cooling systems run better and last longer, since they don’t have to work as hard. They require fewer repairs and won’t need to be replaced as soon, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.

So how do you keep your HVAC systems running as efficiently as possible so that you can reap these benefits? It’ll take a little preventative maintenance, but it’ll be worth it in the end!

Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

The first step to maintaining efficient heating and cooling systems is the easiest but also the most often overlooked. Replacing your air filter regularly will keep the air flowing through your system easily, keeping the blower from having to work as hard and preventing a buildup of debris that could be hard on your system. It’s better for your health, too, as a clean air filter means cleaner air. Best of all, it’ll take nothing more than an inexpensive part and a few minutes of your time.

Seal Air Ducts

Your heating and cooling systems push hot and cold air to you throughout the house through a labyrinth of air ducts. If those air ducts have leaks, that precious hot or cold air starts escaping, and what makes it to the vents throughout your house won’t be as hot or cold anymore. This means your system has to work harder to do the same job than it would have to if there weren’t any leaks.

Sometimes leaks are very obvious and easy to find, such as when they’re exposed in an unfinished basement. Other times they’re harder to identify and get to, such as when they’re in a crawl space or between floors. If the air coming out your vents isn’t as hot or cold as it should be, your best bet is to call a professional to find and seal any leaks in the air ducts.

Get HVAC Systems Checked Once a Year

Your heating and cooling systems are a little like a car or even the human body, in that they need regular preventative checkups and maintenance to keep them running at top efficiency. Typically, this is done at the start of the season when you’ll be using the system, to ensure you’ll be able to go all season long without any problems. For instance, you should be having your heating system checked and maintenanced in the fall, around the time when you turn it on for the winter. Likewise, the air conditioning should be checked in the spring, just about when temperatures are ramping up for summer.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you have one of those basic old thermostats, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat at the very least, or even a smart thermostat. These thermostats help you take advantage of times when the temperature in the house can be set a little higher or a little lower, depending on the season.

For instance, while everyone is gone during the day is the perfect time to set the temperature a little warmer during the summer, or a little cooler during the winter. But who wants to have to remember to turn the thermostat up and down all the time? A programmable thermostat allows you to preset different temperatures for different times of the day or week, while a smart thermostat learns your habits and does many of these things automatically. Both will help you to minimize energy costs and maximize your heating and cooling systems’ efficiency.

Find a HVAC Service You Can Trust

The efficiency of your HVAC systems is only as good as the serviceman who works on it for you. With decades of experience in the industry and a fleet of licensed, experienced technicians to serve our loyal customers, Maeser is here for you! Call us today and let us help you maximize your heating and cooling systems’ efficiency.