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A home’s heating and cooling costs account for about 56% of the homeowner’s utility expenses in most US homes. With proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance, you could lower your utility bills by as much as 15-20%.

HVAC Maintenance

  • It is recommended you maintain your HVAC systems by replacing or cleaning the air filter every month — the air conditioning (AC) air filter during the summer and the furnace air filter during the winter. Do not run the unit with the filter removed.
  • Make sure that the HVAC outdoor units are cleared of debris, leaves, snow, etc.
  • Keep plants and grass clippings at least two feet away from the outdoor unit.
  • Check the temperature settings. Adjusting the temperature by a single degree can bring up to nine percent savings on your utility costs.
  • Please remember, before doing any maintenance on your HVAC system, make sure to disconnect the power to the unit.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

  • If possible, shade the outdoor unit. Shade can be five to six degrees cooler than the air
  • Adjust the cooling system’s refrigerant levels. Having too much or too little refrigerant will make the unit less efficient and can reduce the life of your equipment.
  • During the winter months, protect the outdoor unit from leaf blockage or ice damage with a cover.

Furnace Maintenance

  • Check the furnace fan belt and inspect for cracking or fraying. If any of those signs are evident, replace the belt.
  • Remove the furnace cover and vacuum out the base and gas burners of debris and dust.
  • Do not close off more than 20% of the heating vents in your home. This can cause heat-resistance and unnecessary heat build-up in the furnace.

To avoid major malfunctions and extend the life of your HVAC unit, have a yearly professional HVAC tune-up. HVAC technicians are usually busiest during the summer and winter months, so plan for check-ups on your heating system in the fall and cooling system in the spring.