Are you a new homeowner? Congratulations and welcome to homeownership!
Now that you’ve got the keys to the kingdom, there are a few things you need to know about home maintenance. One of the most important systems in your home is the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning).
This is an expensive system that warrants regular maintenance. The last thing you want on a steaming hot day is to turn on the AC only to have it fail!
Heed these HVAC tips to maintain and extend the life of your system.
Understand Your HVAC System
Take a look at your HVAC documents and figure out what type of system you have. It could be central heating and air, a heat pump, boiler, or something else.
Notice your intake and outtake vents. Most vents are standard 8 x 12-inch vents but if your home is high-end, you might have a long thin linear slot diffuser. Whatever type of HVAC system you have, take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the instructional booklet.
If you don’t have a booklet, you can find most manuals online.
Changing the Air Filters
Once you’ve acquainted yourself with the system, make a note of the size and type of air filter. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is important!
You need to change the air filters on a regular basis. HVAC systems and filters vary but most filters need changing every one to six months. Some systems will even shut down if the filter gets too dirty.
Keep Vents Clear
Some homeowners may advise you to close the HVAC vents in rooms you’re not using. This isn’t a good idea. When you close vents, the system works harder to regulate the temperature in the rest of the home.
Don’t block the vents with bookcases or other furniture. Clear vents keep your HVAC system efficient which also saves on heating and cooling costs.
Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house. Detectors alert you to any sort of leaks from burning fuel. Natural gas, propane, oil, and wood from a fireplace can all emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Check the Outside
Does your HVAC include an outside air-conditioning unit? Keep it free and clear of debris such as sticks, leaves, and grass clippings.
Whenever you’re outside cutting the lawn and doing other yard maintenance chores, clean and clear around the HVAC unit. It’s okay to hose the unit down if there’s dirt accumulating around the outside of the unit.
Regular Professional Maintenance
Hire an HVAC professional for regular yearly maintenance. Do you have heating and air-conditioning? Have a professional do an HVAC inspection in the spring and fall.
A professional alerts you to a problem before it becomes an expensive repair issue.
Follow These HVAC Tips and Extend the Life of Your HVAC System
Follow these HVAC tips to get the most life out of your system. Your home is a big investment, and your HVAC system is one of the biggest systems in your home. Take good care of both to save yourself time and money.
Want more home maintenance tips like this? Scroll through the home improvement section of our blog!
