How to Maintain Your HVAC System and Save Money on Energy Bills

Change Your Air Filters Regularly

Air filters are one of the most important components of your HVAC system. They trap dust, dirt, and other particles, preventing them from entering the system and circulating through your home. Over time, filters become clogged and less effective, which can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder.

Tip: Replace your air filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on your system’s usage and the type of filter. In high-traffic homes with pets or allergies, you may need to change the filters more often.

Benefits:

• Improved airflow
• Enhanced air quality
• More efficient system operation

Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

Regular professional maintenance is key to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. A certified HVAC technician can inspect, clean, and tune up your system, identifying potential problems before they turn into expensive repairs. This maintenance typically includes checking the refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils, inspecting the blower motor, and ensuring the system is operating at optimal efficiency.

Tip: Schedule HVAC maintenance at least once a year, ideally in the spring or fall, before the start of the heating or cooling season.

Benefits:

• Longer system lifespan
• Fewer breakdowns
• Reduced repair costs

Keep the Area Around Your HVAC Unit Clean

Whether you have an outdoor unit (like a central AC) or an indoor furnace, it’s essential to keep the area around your HVAC unit clean and clear of debris. Leaves, branches, and dirt can block airflow, causing the system to overheat or become inefficient.

Tip: For outdoor units, trim any shrubs or trees that are within a few feet of the unit to allow for proper ventilation. Inside, keep the area around the vents and registers clear of furniture or other obstacles.

Benefits:

• Better airflow
• Improved system efficiency
• Reduced risk of damage to the unit

Seal Air Leaks in Your Home

Leaky windows, doors, and ducts can cause your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and higher bills. Sealing these leaks can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Tip: Use weatherstripping around doors and windows, and apply caulk to seal any gaps or cracks. Also, check your ducts for leaks and have them sealed by a professional if necessary.

Benefits:

• More consistent temperatures
• Lower energy costs
• Reduced strain on the HVAC system

Maintain Proper Insulation

Insulation helps keep the heat inside during winter and outside during summer. Without proper insulation, your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable, leading to higher energy bills. Check your attic, walls, and floors for proper insulation.

Tip: If your insulation is old or insufficient, consider upgrading it. Properly insulated attics and walls help maintain a consistent temperature and reduce your HVAC’s workload.

Benefits:

• Better temperature regulation
• Increased energy efficiency
• Reduced energy bills

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat controls the temperature of your home and plays a significant role in your energy usage. Adjusting your thermostat settings can lead to substantial energy savings.

Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter for optimal comfort and energy savings. If you’re away from home for an extended period, adjust the thermostat by a few degrees to save energy.

Consider Installing a Smart Thermostat:
A smart thermostat can learn your schedule and adjust the temperature automatically, optimizing energy usage based on when you’re home or away.

Benefits:

• Lower energy consumption
• Improved comfort
• Enhanced control over temperature settings

Clean the Coils and Condenser Unit

The coils in your HVAC system can accumulate dirt and debris over time, which reduces their efficiency and causes the system to work harder. Cleaning the coils can prevent the system from overheating and improve energy efficiency.

Tip: Once a year, clean the evaporator and condenser coils. If you have a central air system, clean the condenser unit to remove leaves and debris. If you’re unsure how to clean the coils, consider hiring a professional.

Benefits:

• Better heat exchange
• Improved system efficiency
• Reduced repair needs

Check and Replace the Ductwork

Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can waste up to 30% of your energy use. Leaks allow heated or cooled air to escape before reaching the rooms in your home, forcing your HVAC system to use more energy to maintain the desired temperature.

Tip: Have your ducts inspected for leaks and have them sealed by a professional. If necessary, replace the ducts or add insulation to improve efficiency.

Benefits:

• Reduced energy loss
• Improved air distribution
• Lower energy costs

Use Ceiling Fans to Support Your HVAC System

Ceiling fans help circulate air and make your home feel cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. By using ceiling fans in conjunction with your HVAC system, you can maintain comfort at a lower thermostat setting.

Tip: In the summer, set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. In the winter, set the fan to rotate clockwise to circulate warm air from the ceiling down to the living space.

Benefits:

• Improved comfort
• Reduced reliance on HVAC
• Lower energy bills

Upgrade Your HVAC System

If your HVAC system is more than 10-15 years old, it may be time to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Newer systems use advanced technology to reduce energy consumption, which can help lower your monthly energy bills.

Tip: When replacing your system, choose one with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for air conditioning and a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for heating. These ratings indicate energy-efficient performance.

Benefits:

• Reduced energy costs
• Improved comfort
• Fewer breakdowns and repairs

Proper HVAC maintenance is essential to ensure your system runs efficiently and helps save you money on energy bills. By following these tips, such as changing air filters regularly, scheduling annual maintenance, sealing air leaks, and optimizing your thermostat settings, you can keep your HVAC system in top shape and reduce energy consumption. If you’re looking for professional assistance with HVAC maintenance in Lubbock, TX, contact Lubbock TX Handyman today! Our expert technicians can help ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently all year long, saving you money and keeping your home comfortable.