Prevent Costly Repairs With These Monthly HVAC Maintenance Tips

Prevent These Costly Repairs With Our
Eight Monthly HVAC Maintenance Tips

Get Advice From The Larchmont HVAC Experts

Living in Larchmont means having to deal with extreme weather conditions, both in the summer and winter months. Without proper maintenance, the humidity and temperature can wreak havoc on your HVAC system, leading to costly repairs and discomfort in your home.

A reliable HVAC Larchmont contractor can help you keep your system in tip-top condition and prevent costly repairs. Here are eight handy maintenance tips you can use every month to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient.

Here are eight ways to prevent costly repair costs and ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently:

1. Check Your Air Filters Every Month And Replace
Them When They Are Dirty

Your HVAC system’s air filter traps airborne debris that blows through the ductwork. Over time, it becomes clogged with hair, fibers, dust, and other debris. Eventually, it will reduce airflow, leading to poor indoor air quality and straining your HVAC system.

To prevent this, check your air filters every month and replace them when they are dirty. Installing a high-efficiency pleated filter can help remove more debris than the standard one-inch filter, leading to improved air quality and energy savings.

2. Inspect Your Ducts And Seams For Leaks And Seal
Them As Necessary

Ducts play a crucial role in the efficiency of your HVAC system. Not only do they distribute cooled or heated air throughout your home, but they also help remove moisture, dust, and other particles from the environment. If your ducts are leaky, however, all of that air will escape – leading to decreased comfort levels and increased energy costs.

If this sounds like a lot of work, rest assured that inspecting your ducts and seams for leaks is a relatively easy task. All you need is a flashlight and a few pieces of duct tape. First, turn on your HVAC system and locate the areas where the most air is escaping. Then, use the flashlight to inspect the ducts and seams in those areas for leaks. If you find any leaks, seal them with duct tape.

3. Clean Your Air Conditioning Unit And Condenser
Coils Every Month

Air conditioning units and condenser coils can become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to increased energy usage and shorter life spans for the equipment. To keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly, clean the coils and outdoor unit every month.

Use a hose to spray down the unit, and if you notice any bent fins, use a specialized comb designed to straighten the components to help out. This simple maintenance tip will help keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently all season long!

4. Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Set To The Correct
Temperature And Programming

Programmable thermostats can save you up to 30% on your heating and cooling costs. Using one can program setback periods while you’re away or sleeping, with recovery periods that restore a comfortable temperature before you arrive home or wake up, so be sure to install one and set it to the correct temperature.

5. Inspect Your Home’s Insulation To Make Sure
It Is Adequate

If you have doubts about the insulation in your home, now is the time to inspect it. You can look in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. If you see any gaps or holes in the insulation, they will need to be patched up.

You can also test the insulation to see if it is still effective. To do this, use a ruler to measure the thickness of the insulation. Your home could likely use more insulation if it is less than 6 inches.

6. Check The Weather Stripping Around Your Doors
And Windows And Replace It As Necessary

A key to keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer is ensuring that your doors and windows are properly sealed. Weather stripping helps to do just that by filling in the gaps around your doors and windows and preventing air from leaking in or out.

You can find weather stripping at most hardware stores. It’s a quick and easy way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money on your energy bills.

7. Clean Or Replace Your Humidifier Pad

If you use your humidifier every day, then you should clean the humidifier pad every week. If you only use your humidifier once a week, then clean the humidifier pad every month. If you have yet to clean your humidifier pad, it might be time for a replacement.

8. Keep A Log Of All HVAC Maintenance And Repairs
For Future Reference

By keeping a log of all HVAC maintenance and repairs, you can refer back to it in the future to ensure that your furnace is running smoothly and efficiently.

Some of the tasks that you may want to include in your log are: checking the heat exchanger and testing the flame sensor; inspecting the contactor and gas valve, fan motors, and pipes; adjusting the burners for maximum efficiency; checking all connections and wiring; inspecting the B-vent assembly; testing the primary circuit board; adjusting the ignition system; and testing and inspecting the blower assembly.

Additionally, you should measure the furnace gas pressure and clean permanent filters if applicable. Following these simple steps can help keep your furnace running smoothly and prolong its lifespan.

Get Professional Service With A Personal Touch
At Innovative Air

You can feel confident that your Larchmont home will be in good hands when you choose our HVAC Repair and Maintenance Program. Our checklist leaves no stone unturned, and we cover every detail, down to tightening the smallest electrical connection. Your benefits are tremendous, including peace of mind and improved safety.

So why wait? Contact us today to learn more.