How is your HVAC system doing after the long holidays? The cold winter weather could have put a strain on your heating equipment, which needs an immediate fix. Likewise, your air conditioning unit needs a complete checkup and tune-up in preparation for the warmer weather in spring and summer. Avoid expensive HVAC repairs and replacements this year by following this post-holiday HVAC maintenance checklist.
The HVAC maintenance checklist
The HVAC maintenance checklist comprises of the following tasks;
Check your HVAC air filters
With many people gathered in your home during the Christmas and New year celebrations, your HVAC filters could have accumulated a great amount of dust and dirt. Dirty air filters can wear down your HVAC system, restrict airflow, and affect the quality of air inside your home.
To prevent your air filters from being clogged up by dirt and dust, make sure to clean them regularly. For better air quality inside the house, replace your air filters every 1 to 3 months. According to the United States Department of Energy, replacing dirty and clogged filters can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Clean the air ducts
One way to ensure clean and safe indoor at-home air is to clean the air ducts regularly. Unlike cleaning the air filters, cleaning the air ducts will require the help of professionals.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, service providers use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and other debris in ducts, then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner. Failure to clean your air ducts regularly can result in excessive amounts of dust and dirt and mold growth in the ducts.
Adjust your thermostat
It’s easy to forget about your thermostat when you are busy being a good host during the holiday celebrations. Now that the holidays are over, it is time to put everything in your home back in control.
Change the settings on your thermostat depending on the change of weather in your local area. If you are still feeling the chilly winter weather, set the thermostat to 68°F while you are awake, and put it lower while you are asleep or away from home, as advised by the DOE.
Seal new air leaks
After all the holiday activities in your home, you will likely see new gaps and cracks around your doors and windows. To support your HVAC system and save on your monthly energy bill, be sure to seal new leaks and add quality insulation.
The DOE refers to caulking and weatherstripping as effective air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment, often one year or less. These air-sealing techniques use affordable materials and can be applied without the help of pros.
Call your local HVAC contractor
To ensure the good working condition of your HVAC system the whole year-round, hire the service of a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor. Professional routine checkup and maintenance of your HVAC system will help reduce emergency breakdowns. What more? It can reduce your heating and cooling costs at home. So, what are you waiting for? Hire a pro today!
