Did you know that the average heating unit lasts 15-20 years for most homeowners? It might seem like a long time not to worry about your HVAC system, but you should be thinking about it periodically! HVAC replacement is one of the most expensive endeavors you might have to do for your home, so before you get to that point, it’s vital to engage in heater maintenance to extend the lifespan for as long as possible.
With that in mind, here are some tips from the Baldwin Heating & Cooling team for maximizing your furnace usage!
Heater Maintenance
One of the most important ways to maintain the lifespan of your unit is to engage in regular furnace tune-ups! It would be best if you had your furnace serviced a minimum of once a year, preferably during seasonal changes.
For instance, pre-season tune-ups are great for when you’re making the switch from cold to hot or vice versa. Your inspector will ensure that all parts are working correctly, clean out any buildup and ensure that your unit will function safely.
Change Your Filters
Aside from professional services and seasonal maintenance, there are also things you can do for HVAC maintenance yourself! One of these things is changing the air filter for your heating or cooling unit.
Your HVAC professional will do this for you during visits, but it’s best to change them every 30 days to three months, primarily if you use fiberglass or pleated filters. This will prevent buildup and prevent your heater from working overtime, as well as circulating dirty air!
Let Your Heating Unit Rest
Most heating systems have three fan settings: on, off and auto.
While turning your heater off during the winter isn’t as viable, you can conserve energy by having your HVAC system set to the “auto” setting. This means the fan only runs when the system is actively engaging in heating or cooling your home, allowing it to rest when it’s not. If you choose “on,” the fan will run continuously, forcing it to work harder.
It’s important to note that the “on” option is usually the best setting for people that experience intense allergies to dust and dirt, especially if you’re indoors. There’s nothing wrong with using this setting — we also have indoor air quality solutions that we can offer to help combat this!
Check Your Insulation
Obviously, it’s unreasonable to expect your home to stay warm without a heating system during colder weather. However, you should check if the insulation in your home is done correctly — especially in places like your attic, basement and ceilings.
These places are prone to losing heat during the colder seasons, especially if they aren’t adequately insulated. A poorly insulated home will force your heating unit to run overtime to warm it up and cost you more in utility bills over time.
Aside from saving money on utility and HVAC services, insulating these areas also provides the extra perk of preventing moisture-related issues, like mold.
Daphne Heater Maintenance
Baldwin Heating & Cooling is the place to contact if you ever need cooling or heating services. We happily offer dependable, stress-free service to our clients here in the Daphne area. Call us today for more information!
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