When a homeowner acquires a household heating and air conditioning unit, properly maintaining the unit is essential to keeping it running properly. When a unit is not maintained, the life of the unit will be shortened and it could increase energy costs if it is working harder to function. Fortunately, a homeowner does not have to call a technician for every maintenance job as there are some maintenance tasks that are easy to perform.

Below are a number of tips to maintaining your household heating and air conditioning unit:

Filter: It is important to regularly change the filter. Most experts recommend every 3 months except during the colder seasons when the filter should be changed once a month. If you do not change the filter, the accumulation of dirt will cause the system to work much harder which can cause the system to break down as well as increase the power bill. As well, dirt pet dander, and dust, will not be blowing through the home when you change the filter regularly. The indoor air will be cleaner and healthier. You can purchase air filters at your local hardware store or through the manufacturer.

Thermostat: A programmable thermostat is a great way to lower your energy costs. When you install a programmable thermostat you will be able to control the temperature of the heating and air conditioning unit. As well, the unit will perform better with programmed settings.

Heating and Cooling Ducts: When forced air travels through the duct system, heat can be lost if there are spaces along the ducts which will waste energy. When you seal air ducts, the system will be more energy efficient which will save you money on your power bill. Make sure that you seal all ducts that including the ducts running through the basement and attic. To better improve energy efficiency, you can even add a layer of sealant around the exterior of the ducts.

Vacuum the Unit: It is important to keep dirt and dust from accumulating in the unit to ensure maximum energy efficiency. Vacuum the blower, flue, and motor. Keeping dirt and dust out of the unit will help prevent the unit from seizing up. You should vacuum the unit before winter and in the spring.

There is a number of maintenance tasks better left for a licensed professional service technician. A heating and air conditioning unit inspection should be performed once a year by a technician. A technician will check the unit to make sure everything is working properly and safely. The technician will also test for carbon monoxide and gas leaks as part of the inspection. A yearly tune up will ensure that the system is running efficiently and not increasing your energy bill

It is easy to perform minor maintenance tasks on your household heating and air conditioning unit. When regularly maintaining your unit and having an annual inspection by a technician, you will have peace of mind knowing that an essential component of your home is running efficiently.

Author Bio: Looking for heating and furnace professionals in Toronto? Then trust the experts, with over 60 years of experience, Laird and Son is a family owned business that specializes in boiler Toronto, radiant floor heating Toronto and air conditioning in Toronto and the GTA.

Category: Home Management
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