Bill’s Energy Tips to Save Money

SPRING MAINTENANCE

Typically in the spring you usually don’t have to rely on your HVAC systems to keep your home comfortable, since you can open the windows and enjoy the fresh breeze.  This means that spring is an excellent time to cool off your system, inspect it and carry out a few maintenance tasks. This will ensure that your HVAC system is running smoothly and you can dive into the summer season with no worries.

Check the Cooling System Refrigerant Levels

As the summer draws closer, the temperature will begin to spike upward.  Thus, it is crucial to make sure that your HVAC system has the correct levels of refrigerant to cool your home efficiently.

Change Your Air Filters

Over time, dirt and dust build up on the filters and start to restrict air flow and circulation.  For ultimate effectiveness, replace your filters about once a month.  Changing your filter is an important part of maintaining your home’s air quality. Not only will it help you and your family to breathe better, but it will also help save you some money.  Dirty filters cause your HVAC system to work harder which can lower the lifespan of your system.

Clean the Outdoor unit

Usually, winter storms deposit leaves and debris around your outdoor unit. Clear away debris and use a garden hose to wash away dirt and deposits on your outdoor unit. Make sure that the temperature is at least 60 degrees outside so that you can test your unit afterward to verify that everything is working properly.

Schedule a Tune-Up

At least once a year you should have preventative maintenance performed by a qualified HVAC technician, preferably in the spring.  The technician will have the knowledge and experience to detect HVAC issues early and prescribe the necessary solutions.  A qualified technician can also point out problems or issues before they get too serious.  Ignoring issues can cost much more to remediate down the road.  With preventative maintenance, homeowners can avoid unexpected and costly breakdowns during the hottest days of the year.