Maintaining your furnace and ductwork is essential for preventing costly repairs in the future as well as keeping your home or business at a comfortable temperature. Fortunately, these tasks don’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. There are several simple things you can do on a regular basis to keep your heating system running optimally. Before beginning any maintenance on your HVAC system, consult the manufacturer’s manual to be sure you have the best practices for your model. For example, if you are using a programmable thermostat, make sure you are familiar with how to use it properly. These simple tips will help you keep your HVAC system in peak condition for many years to come:

Check your filters regularly

One of the easiest ways to maintain your HVAC system is by cleaning out and replacing your HVAC filters. Air filters trap all kinds of debris and other contaminants in the air and prevent them from getting into your HVAC system. Without a filter, your system would fail to function properly and would be much more expensive to operate due to the buildup of dust and other particles. Depending on the type of HVAC system in your home, you will need different types of filters. For example, central air and HVAC systems often have replaceable metal filters that need to be changed every few weeks. However, there are also some systems that use an indoor air quality or whole-house filter that is connected to the system and cannot be accessed without shutting down the HVAC system.

Check your thermostat and ductwork properly

If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure you are familiar with how to use it properly. Most programmable thermostats have an energy-usage chart that will help you determine when the system should be adjusted to save money on your electric bill. If you have an older HVAC system, you might want to consider replacing your thermostat with a more energy-efficient model. Ductwork is also an important part of your HVAC system. If your ductwork is damaged, it will make it difficult or impossible to heat or cool your home. Ductwork should be inspected once a year, depending on the type of system in your home.

Change your HVAC filter regularly

If you have an HVAC system, it is important to change your filters regularly. Depending on the type of HVAC system in your home, you will want to change your filters at different times. For example, a central air unit will need to have its filter changed every two to three months. However, a whole-house filter might need to be replaced every six to eight months.

Schedule annual maintenance on your HVAC system

If your HVAC system is older than 15 years, you should consider having it inspected and cleaned once a year. You will want to have a professional HVAC technician come to your home to check the system and make any necessary repairs. Dirty ductwork can also be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. Depending on the type of system in your home, you might need to hire a company to clean your ductwork.

Conclusion

Maintaining your HVAC system is essential for keeping it running properly and efficiently. There are several simple things you can do on a regular basis to keep your system running optimally. Before beginning any maintenance on your HVAC system, consult the manufacturer’s manual to be sure you have the best practices for your model. For example, if you are using a programmable thermostat, make sure you are familiar with how to use it properly.