HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pennsylvania Homeowners

Your HVAC system controls the internal temperature of your home. As a homeowner, you should know how to clean and troubleshoot your HVAC system to make sure it functions properly. Here are 10 of the best HVAC tips to remember as you take care of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

1. Know What Kind of HVAC System You Have

The type of HVAC system you have will determine the new home buyer HVAC tips you follow. There are four types of HVAC systems:

• Heating and cooling split systems: This HVAC system contains components that exist in the inside and outside of the home. A split system will keep your home at the ideal temperature throughout the year.
• Hybrid system: Similar to the heating and cooling split system, a hybrid system is unique because it gives you the option to switch between electrically powering your system and using gas.
• Ductless system: A split ductless system still contains fan blades and coils like the other systems, but it’s typically smaller, so it heats or cools a room directly rather than moving air through ductwork.
• Packaged heating and air system: This system contains all the components of a traditional HVAC system but in one unit. A packaged heating and air system is useful for homes that don’t have space for all the components of the split system.

In addition to the type of HVAC system you have, you should also know your HVAC system’s age, energy efficiency ratio and warranty.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you better control the temperature of your home. You can conserve energy and prolong the life of your HVAC system by slightly adjusting the thermostat a few degrees.

You can also save energy by setting your thermostat on a timer. Some thermostats automatically adjust when you’re not home. With WiFi thermostats, you can even adjust your temperature from your phone or computer.

3. Check for Air Leaks or Sources of Heat

You can control your home’s internal temperature by producing less heat in the summer and letting in less cool air in the winter. In the summer, use caution when running your dryer, cooking warm food and running electricity that could create excess heat in your home. To conserve energy, power down any electronics that could be warming up your home in the summer.

In the winter, check your home for air leaks in your door and window’s weatherstripping. Caulk any cracks or breaks that can let in excess air in the winter or let out your cool air conditioning in the summer. If there are air leaks, your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

4. Properly Insulate Your Home

You can also control the temperature in your home by making sure you have the proper insulation. Insulation maintains your home’s temperature by keeping your HVAC’s air in and outside air out. The most common place to install extra insulation is in your attic, but you can also insulate your pipes for further protection.

5. Change or Clean Your Air Filters

Another one of our heating and cooling tips is to change your HVAC’s air filters. Check your HVAC or filter maintenance manual to find out how often you should change your air filters. Some thermostat models can remind you to change your HVAC filter.

Changing HVAC filters can lower your HVAC’s energy consumption, which will lower your energy bill each month. When you first move into your home, you should change the air filters in your air conditioner to start fresh. 

6. Make Sure No Furniture or Landscaping Is Blocking Your Vents

Your vents blow your hot or cold air into the rest of your house. You should walk through the rooms of your home to check if any furniture is blocking your vents. If furniture or any other object is in the way of your vent’s airflow, your HVAC system will have to work harder to transport air throughout your home.

You should also check the vents in your outside unit. In the fall and winter, shrubs and leaves can fall into the vents and block airflow. Walk around the outside of your home and make sure that shrubs and plants are at least three feet from your outdoor HVAC unit.

7. Keep Vents Clean and Open

Some homeowners close the vents in the rooms that they don’t use often to try to save money. However, closing your vents makes your HVAC system work harder to maintain the temperature of your home. Keep your vents open to allow proper airflow throughout the whole house.

You should also clean your outdoor and indoor vents to prevent debris buildup. The vents to your HVAC system should be removable so you can easily clean both sides of your vents. 

8. Clean the Ducts

Ducts are metal tubes that transport temperature-regulated air throughout your home. HVAC systems will burn the dust that has accumulated on the ducts over the summer. Before running your heat in the fall and winter, clean your ducts to prevent your home from smelling like smoke.

9. Replace Old HVAC Systems

If you’ve had your HVAC system for more than 10 years, you might want to have it replaced. Buying a new HVAC system may be expensive, but it will eventually pay for itself with the money you’ll save on your energy bill. Consult with a professional HVAC company to find a replacement HVAC system that will accommodate your home style.

10. Schedule Regular Maintenance

You should schedule a maintenance check for your HVAC system twice a year — once in the fall and once in the spring — to prepare your home for the winter cold and the summer heat. You will save money and protect your HVAC system if you have it routinely checked.

Instead of paying for an emergency repair or replacement, you can pay a small fee to schedule a routine maintenance inspection every six months. A professional can also give you helpful routine HVAC maintenance tips for taking care of your HVAC system throughout the year.

Summers and Zim’s Will Help You With Your Home’s HVAC System

For more heating and air conditioning service tips in Lancaster County, Chester County and Delaware County of Pennsylvania, you can trust Summers and Zim’s to help you care for your HVAC system. We value you as our customer and seek to provide top air conditioner repair in PA and the best care we can to you and your home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a routine checkup of your HVAC system.