Your HVAC system won’t be sad if you don’t give it some chocolate or a card on Valentine’s Day. But if you don’t pay attention to routine maintenance, it’s probably going to cost you some cash to make it happy again.
All kidding aside, it’s important to remember to do some simple things to help your HVAC system run smoothly and efficiently. Here are a few ways you can maintain your HVAC and even spot potentially serious issues that our professionals at Jack Hall Plumbing and Heating can tackle.
Clean HVAC filters are key: Poor airflow through your HVAC is often the cause of performance problems. It’s helpful to set a schedule you’ll remember or simply add a reminder on your cell phone. Make sure you know what type of filter your HVAC uses because there are newer models that only need replacement every six months or so.
Keep all the vents open!: There’s a myth that closing vents in unused rooms save energy, but the opposite is true. Closed vents disrupt the balance and alter the pressure that your HVAC is adjusted to meet. Even if you’ve done it before, it’s worth checking again. Chances are one of your kids or a house guest who was too cold or warm has shut a vent.
Check the clearance around your outside unit: Add this job to your spring-cleaning list. People like to plant bushes to hide outside units and if they grow too close to it the airflow can be disrupted. Keep at least two feet of clearance. Also, keep an eye out if you have bushes or trees that generate a lot of pollen that can impact your HVAC. Here in the Northeast, Cottonwood trees are notorious for dropping seedpods that clog condensing units.
Know the signs your HVAC needs service: There are some telltale signs that your system is operating poorly. Here’s what to look and listen for:
- Temperature imbalances between rooms and first and second floors are a definite clue that there’s something impacting airflow.
- The system is running more loudly than usual or seems to be making odd noises, especially as it starts to run.
- The energy bill suddenly starts to rise.
Schedule HVAC maintenance with Jack Hall: The best plan to keep your HVAC system in good shape is a routine maintenance schedule. Jack Hall Plumbing and Heating offers an affordable Service Protection Program that will help extend the life of your home’s plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems. Our mission is to promote a more comfortable, safe environment for you and your family while saving you money and adding value to your home.
For almost 40 years, Jack Hall Plumbing and heating has been the HVAC contractor you can trust across the Northeast in Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George, and Saratoga Springs. To learn more about our Service Protection Plans or schedule service on your HVAC system contact us today at (518) 792-7114.