Winter is just around the corner and HVAC companies are buzzing due to the increase in their sales. However, if you already have an HVAC system installed in your home then you might want to have it maintained so here are a few HVAC maintenance tips.

Replacing Air Filters

The easiest and simplest thing you can do to fix the HVAC unit is to replace the air filters. Air filters are used to filter out the dust and give you good and fresh air in your house, free of pollen. A clogged air filter will make the HVAC unit and the furnace use extra energy which can add up to your energy bills and you may have to call a furnace repair service. Remember to replace the filters with the clean ones every month.

Switch the Thermostat

The thermostat is your best friend when it comes to switching from a cooler to warmer temperature of an HVAC unit. Make sure that the thermostat is up and running by checking its batteries and transitioning from cool to warm temperatures. Install a programmable thermostat because it can adjust the temperature according to the outside temperature and even turn off or on if you set the time. Most homeowners are using it now as these thermostats save a lot on the energy bills because they run on low when you are sleeping or aren’t at home.

Clean the Vents

Cleaning and replacing air filters is one thing but cleaning the vents is another thing. Make sure that your vents and registers are clean so that there is no internal blockage. You can easily use a vacuum cleaner to clean the vents whenever you vacuum your house. The dust that builds up around the vent may be clogging your air supply. If that’s not the case then you must make sure that your vents are cleared of any blockage like rugs, mats or furniture that close off the opening of the vents.

Insulation of the House

Insulation is an important part to make the HVAC system perform at its full potential. It may seem that it doesn’t do anything for your HVAC system but it’s quite the contrary. How well your house is insulated directly affects the performance of your HVAC unit and lighten its load eventually cutting off the energy bills. Insulating your attic keeps the warm air inside the house and allows the HVAC unit to maintain the temperature of the house, using less energy to warm the house. You may want to hire professionals to insulate your home.

Check for Any Leaks

This is a problem that many homeowners face and it also results in poor performance of the HVAC unit and higher energy bills. You must check for any leaks in the vents prior to the winter season and fix them. HVAC services will have the proper solution to this problem so consider hiring them.

An Old HVAC System Should Be Replaced

An average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 years and if your unit is close to this number or exceeded it, this means that it has done its part and now you must lay it down to rest. Chances are that you already have had it repaired, maintained or fully-serviced. Now you should consider replacing it before it breaks down in the coldest of nights and you are left shivering in your beds. Upgrading to a newer and efficient unit will not only increase the efficiency and performance but you will be surprised how much you will save up on the energy bills.

Schedule the Annual Inspection

If you aren’t sure about how well your HVAC unit is performing or whether it requires any maintenance or not then you must consider hiring HVAC services to come and fix it professionally. Having a full inspection of your HVAC system will ensure that it performs at its peak and lowers the chances of it breaking down. A tune-up twice a year, especially before the winter season, will be significantly beneficial for homeowners.

Winter can be cruel to homeowners so have a look at your HVAC unit to avoid the harsh weathers or hire furnace repair services Arlington VA for furnace and HVAC system repair and maintenance.