Are you on a budget? Do you want to find ways to save money on your HVAC maintenance? If so, you can do many things to reduce wear and tear on your furnace and air conditioner, which can, in turn, reduce the need for repairs on your system. You can also save money by shopping around for the right HVAC repair person and system. Here's what you need to know.
1. Buy a Quality Furnace and Air Conditioner
The higher the quality of the furnace and air conditioner, the more durable and longer-lasting your system should be. You can do a variety of things to find the highest quality furnace and air conditioner for your home. Shop around to get quotes from different HVAC professionals. Only buy an HVAC system from a professional you trust.
Read online reviews of the brand that each HVAC professional recommends, and compare the warranties. A good warranty is an indication that the manufacturer stands behind the product, so compare the length of the warranty as well as the maintenance requirements.
2. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
The HVAC system uses an air filter to clean the air flowing through the ducts. Failure to replace your air filter can make the job of the HVAC system more difficult by forcing the system to blow air through the filter even when it's dirty. Dirty air filters make your HVAC system work harder and longer just to get the job done.
Replace your air filter every three months, approximately, to keep the filter clean. If the filter is very dirty every time you replace it, replace it more frequently. Don't forget to turn off your HVAC system while the filter is being replaced to prevent dirty air from circulating through the ducts.
3. Insulate and Weather Strip Your Home
Insulation and weather stripping help keep the air inside the home comfortable by preventing air leaks and by preventing outside air from mixing with inside air. Insulation and weather stripping reduce the burden on the HVAC system by keeping the air inside the home at a certain temperature.
Weather stripping is something that you can easily install as long as you have the proper supplies. Buy your weather stripping from your local home improvement store, and install it around your home's doors and windows.
Hire a contractor to improve insulation in your attic, walls, and parts of your house like your attic and basement. Work with a contractor who has experience installing insulation to have your home's insulation assessed and to install insulation as needed.
4. Shop Around for Affordable HVAC Repair
When the time comes to repair your HVAC system, shop around for the best HVAC repair contractor. Look for a contractor who has a reputation for performing good quality work, but compare costs before hiring someone to do the work.
When comparing costs, pay attention to the contractor's hourly rate and their minimum service fee, which is the minimum amount that you can expect to pay for a job that lasts less than one hour. If the repair work that needs to be done to your system is small, this amount could become relevant.
5. Get Tune-Ups
Tune-ups are preventative care that ensures your air conditioner and furnace will continue to function. Getting tune-ups on a regular basis (annually) will help you avoid expensive HVAC break downs.
Get your HVAC system tuned up either in the fall right before starting to use your furnace for winter or in the spring just before starting to use your air conditioner for the summer. Getting a tune-up for your HVAC system right before these times of year when the HVAC system is in highest demand helps ensure that your HVAC system will continue to function when you need it the most.
6. Adjust the Temperature
Adjust the temperature on your thermostat so that it is just a few degrees cooler in the winter, or warmer in the summer, to prevent your HVAC system from running so frequently. This, in turn, can help reduce the wear and tear on your furnace and air conditioner.
Start by adjusting the furnace and air conditioner by one degree. If you are still comfortable, adjust it to another degree, and another. Stop just before the temperature in your house becomes uncomfortable, then keep your house at that temperature.
Contact Your HVAC Maintenance Professional
If you are a homeowner who would like to reduce the need for HVAC maintenance, contact an HVAC professional in your area. Your HVAC repair professional can help you decide what can be done to take care of your HVAC system.
At Central York, we can provide you with guidance and tune-ups to keep your HVAC system in good condition.
Contact us today
to set up an appointment for HVAC maintenance.