Nothing can throw a wrench in your day quite like a dysfunctional HVAC system. In Idaho, the weather ranges from cold to extremely warm, making for an uncomfortable time when your heating and cooling systems aren’t working properly. Your HVAC system needs to be maintained thoroughly so it can be prepared for the approaching change in weather each season.
Avoiding a maintenance routine or proper preparation can cause unwanted problems and living conditions. Lucky for you, maintaining your HVAC system isn’t as hard or complicated as it seems. Adding just a few steps to your maintenance routine can help you tremendously in the long run and prolong the life of your heating and cooling system. This blog will explore the different ways you or a professional can prepare your HVAC system to continue running as efficiently as possible during these transition periods.
1) Prepare Early
The smartest thing you can do to prevent last-minute repairs or harsh living conditions is to test your thermostat early. Before it becomes too hot outside, ensure your AC is working and will be ready once it starts heating up. Before freezing temperatures hit in the winter, ensure the heat works so you can live comfortably inside.
2) Replace Air Filters
Air filters can get dirty and become clogged over time, restricting airflow and minimizing good air quality in your house. It is recommended that they be replaced every 3 months, depending on your living conditions. If you live somewhere with a dry climate or you have pets that shed, you may need to change them more often than the recommended time. Replacing or cleaning them regularly can increase the liffespan of your system.
3) Seal Gaps or Leaks
Small leaks and gaps in your windows or ductwork can go easily unnoticed. However, they can have a major impact on the temperature inside your home and cause it to fluctuate. It is important to seal those gaps to improve indoor air flow and reduce energy waste. Also consider insulating walls to improve energy efficiency throughout your home. This will help the inside of your home retain heat in the winter and prevent heat from entering in the summer. It can also decrease the cost of energy bills and improve overall living conditions.
4) Hire a Professional
Sometimes taking care of your Idaho Falls HVAC system can seem daunting and overwhelming. If you want to simplify your life and ensure that it is taken care of correctly and efficiently, consider hiring a professional to help you best prepare. They understand the miniscule details as well as the overarching picture in the HVAC industry, so you can trust that they will do an amazing job preparing your house for upcoming seasons. They also have experience with changing weather conditions and know what potential problems are most likely to arise, as well as catching any problems early on. Schedule an inspection with them before each season to prevent potential issues and check if your system is performing optimally.
5) Keep Track of Utility Bills
Utility bills can vary month to month, especially when seasons change, but shouldn’t be having abnormal spikes. If you notice this occurring, it may entail that there is an issue with your HVAC system and energy isn’t being used as efficiently as normal. Address any abnormal changes and contact a professional if you suspect a bigger issue. Checking early on can prevent even higher costs from major repairs.
6) Replace HVAC System If Needed
There may come a time where replacing your HVAC system as a whole is the best option. It is important to take care of your current one as long as possible, but eventually you may need to upgrade. A well maintained HVAC system generally lasts for around 15 years, so if you have had it for that long, you may want to consider replacing it. Along with that, if your current system has needed multiple costly repairs in the past year, it would be more cost effective in the long run to get a new one. Consider upgrading to a more energy efficient option, researching and getting recommendations from professionals for what would best suit your needs.
Conclusion
Your heating and cooling system has a major impact on your quality of life, especially when spending most of your time inside your home. It’s extremely important to properly take care of them and prepare them for seasonal transitions. Staying on top of maintenance can help you avoid large costs and ongoing problems that will make your life harder. Save time and money during these summer and winter seasons by implementing these small but effective tasks into your routine. You won’t have to worry about your HVAC system breaking down during the seasons where its needed the most and can live as comfortable as possible.
