Orchard Park, NY, Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Tips
Your HVAC system should function properly to keep you comfortable throughout the year. However, most homeowners do not think about the efficiency of their HVAC systems and will seek professional help only when the system starts to break down. Experts do not recommend such an approach because it can lead to several inconveniences, not to mention increasing utility bills.
Improperly functioning units can also be a safety concern. For example, a cracked furnace is hard to notice, yet it can start to release poisonous carbon monoxide into the air you breathe (you’ll need an expert to fix this issue). Here are some seasonal HVAC maintenance tips, which can help you keep your unit functioning at maximum efficiency.
1. Replace Air Filters
According to experts, you should change your air filters every season or every three months. The role of air filters is to clean the air that goes into the HVAC system. Clean air helps the unit function efficiently and ensures good health within your home.
An out-of-date air filter can lead to dust buildup, which, in turn, can make your HVAC work less efficiently. A less efficient system can make utility bills increase suddenly. Moreover, too much dust can result in several repair services and even shorten the lifespan of your HVAC. That said, changing your air filters is a crucial seasonal HVAC maintenance item you should never overlook.
2. Inspect the Thermostat
A thermostat determines whether an HVAC system should be running or on standby. This means properly calibrating it can help you save a significant amount of money on energy bills. Professional technicians prefer programmable thermostats to their manual counterparts because they are great at cutting costs. Nevertheless, programmable thermostats are more complex than manual ones, meaning several things need to be inspected to keep them working as imagined.
During thermostat inspection, your technician will also check the various electrical connections and systems that the thermostat relies on to communicate with the rest of the HVAC unit. Hiring a technician for thermostat inspection is highly advised because they are trained on this and, therefore, know precisely how to keep a thermostat working as anticipated.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
Seasonal HVAC maintenance also offers an opportunity to install a smart thermostat to optimize the efficiency of your system. The popularity of smart thermostats is steadily rising because you can control them via your smartphone, which means you can still access them even when not at home.
Furthermore, most smart thermostats are designed to learn and then adjust to your lifestyle to eliminate the need to constantly adjust them. These thermostats also ensure maximum energy-efficient savings and normally require little inspection.
4. Ensure Supply Return Vents Are Clear
There are two types of vents — those that blow cold or hot air into a room and those that draw in air from that room so that it can be cooled or heated. Those that draw in air from rooms are called supply return vents, and they are the ones to keep clear throughout the year to maintain the efficiency of your HVAC system.
To achieve this, ensure these vents are not blocked by drapes, furniture or other obstructions. When a supply return vent is obstructed, your HVAC will work particularly hard to keep the temperature in the room at a desirable level. An HVAC unit that has to work hard to achieve its goals is likely to fail or start requiring countless repairs.
Other seasonal HVAC maintenance tips include:
- Testing system controls
- Cleaning and adjusting blowers
- Cleaning and inspecting the condensate drain
- Lubricating moving parts
Additionally, do not forget to schedule preventive maintenance with an experienced technician. Preventive maintenance should be conducted regularly to ensure your HVAC system works at optimum efficiency. During preventive maintenance, the technician will inspect the components of your HVAC and repair those that need repair. The technician will also turn on and shut down the system to check if it’s working as it should.
Preventive maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and inconveniences that come with having to urgently look for a technician because of an improperly functioning unit. If you are looking for preventive maintenance services in Orchard Park, NY, call Vastola Heating & Cooling today. Our highly trained technicians can fix small issues, thoroughly inspect the ductwork, make crucial adjustments and locate the areas where potential problems are coming from.
Call Us Today for HVAC Repair and Maintenance
Our technicians are on standby to restore the efficiency of your HVAC. We also offer other services such as generator repair, installation and maintenance, indoor air quality, water heater services and more. We have been in existence for quite some time; hence, we are familiar with most equipment issues in Orchard Park, NY. Call Vastola Heating & Cooling today for seasonal HVAC maintenance.
