Many resolutions focus on self-improvement, but the new year is also an opportune time for improving your HVAC system. By prioritizing HVAC maintenance in the new year with these top resolutions, homeowners can enjoy improved comfort, lower energy bills, and other major benefits year-round.
Why HVAC Maintenance Matters for Homeowners
It’s easy to overlook HVAC system upkeep until a problem arises. Proactive HVAC maintenance is an important part of ensuring your system’s performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Enhanced comfort
A well-maintained HVAC system operates more effectively, providing better overall performance. This translates to even temperatures throughout your home, reduced operating noise, and a more comfortable indoor environment.
Improved energy efficiency
Without proper maintenance, HVAC systems use more energy than necessary to match your home’s cooling or heating load. Small inefficiencies add up, causing your system to work harder and leading to higher utility bills. For example, clogged air filters can restrict airflow and strain your HVAC system, leading to increased energy usage.
Prolonged system lifespan
Depending on the type of system, HVAC units come with an average lifespan expectancy. Maintenance helps systems reach their full potential lifespan and maximize the long-term value of your investment.
Better air quality
Poor air quality directly impacts your household’s health and comfort, impacting allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. HVAC maintenance technicians clean coils, replace air filters and perform other tasks to minimize the circulation of dust, mold, and various other pollutants or particles.
Increased reliability and safety
Many homes rely on their HVAC systems for both comfort and safety. HVAC unit problems can increase the risk of hazards associated with combustion, ventilation, electrical wiring, and more. Likewise, a sudden breakdown can potentially leave your home vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and temperatures.
Top 5 New Year Resolutions for Your HVAC System
Committing to HVAC system maintenance offers numerous benefits, both immediate and long-term. Use these top five New Year resolutions to optimize your HVAC system’s performance, efficiency, and longevity.
1. Schedule regular maintenance
Routine tune-ups, usually once or twice per year per unit, are essential for long-term HVAC care. During maintenance services, technicians thoroughly inspect your system and address minor wear and issues before they escalate into major problems. Maintenance typically encompasses a range of tasks, including:
- Inspecting key components for wear, strange sounds, abnormal noises, and other potential red flags.
- Cleaning major components, such as blowers, burner assemblies, and coils.
- Replacing air filters.
- Inspecting and calibrating thermostats.
- Lubricating moving parts
- Checking and tightening electrical connections.
- Testing safety systems and ventilation.
Together, these tasks optimize your HVAC system’s performance and prevent breakdowns. Your technician may also recommend upgrades or repairs depending on the condition of your system. HVAC maintenance is best scheduled before peak heating or cooling season to ensure system readiness.
2. Replace filters monthly
HVAC air filters trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and various other indoor air pollutants, reducing circulation throughout your home to improve air quality. They also benefit your system’s health by preventing dust and debris from accumulating on and impeding the function of components. However, air filters become clogged and restrict airflow without regular replacement, forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
Most systems require a new filter at least every 90 days, but monthly replacement is usually ideal. Many households are unaware of how contaminated their indoor air is by pet dander, cooking, and other activities, often leaving their air filter too long without replacement. By changing your filters once per month, especially during peak heating or cooling seasons, you can improve energy efficiency and prevent issues associated with restricted airflow or dust buildup.
Technicians usually change the air filter during a maintenance visit, but it’s also easy to replace between services. Follow these steps:
- Turn off the HVAC system.
- Locate the air filter, usually inside the return duct or air handler.
- Remove the air filter and replace it with the same or compatible model according to your owner’s manual instructions.
3. Seal air leaks around your house
Air leaks directly affect your HVAC system’s energy consumption, longevity, and performance. Without proper sealing and insulation, cold or hot air can infiltrate or escape your home. Consequently, your HVAC system must work harder to counteract these effects and maintain the preset temperature, accelerating wear and increasing energy consumption. In comparison, sealing minimizes heat loss in the winter or cooling inefficiency in the summer as well as prevents excessive moisture, drafty areas, and other issues associated with air leaks.
Inspect your home for gaps around the windows, doors, and ductwork. Use caulking for cracks and openings around stationary components, such as door and window frames, and weatherstripping around the actual door or window. Check other common air leak problem areas, such as the attic, ceiling, and recessed lighting. Alternatively, a professional can locate air leaks and customize sealing and insulation upgrades.
4. Upgrade to a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are devices that connect to a central smart home hub or a personal device, such as your phone or tablet. By allowing you to program and adjust temperatures based on your schedule and automation, smart thermostats provide better control over your HVAC system.
These devices can also learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature. For example, if it learns that it takes you 20 minutes to drive home from work, it can track your location and change the preset temperature when you leave so that you arrive home in a warm environment. While your home is empty during the day, it can lower the temperature to a more energy-efficient setting.
5. Invest in long-term system efficiency
If your system is approaching or past its expected lifespan, start planning for replacement. HVAC units lose efficiency as they age, but modern units come with advanced energy-efficient technology. Investing in a high-efficiency unit offers reliable performance, lower energy consumption, and better long-term comfort.
Other factors suggest that your system is due for replacement, such as:
- Frequent breakdowns and costly repairs
- High energy bills
- Uneven temperature
- Short cycling
How Regular HVAC Maintenance Saves Money
HVAC maintenance is a long-term investment with reliable returns, translating to significant potential cost savings, such as:
- Lower energy bills: A well-maintained system needs less energy to heat or cool your home, translating to lower utility bills.
- Extended operating life: By extending the lifespan of your HVAC system, maintenance delays the need for a costly replacement.
- Fewer emergency repairs: By identifying problems found during tune-ups, you can address them before they cause more significant damage and breakdowns, reducing lifetime repair costs and avoiding emergency service fees.
- Warranty compliance: Many manufacturers require professional maintenance. Complying with these terms means you’re less likely to be financially responsible for certain warranty-eligible repairs.
Energy Efficiency HVAC Tips for the New Year
There are several easy ways to improve energy efficiency in the new year. In addition to the top resolutions, try these tips:
- Keep vents open and unobstructed.
- Use ceiling fans in conjunction with your HVAC.
- Utilize an HVAC zoning system if available.
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of summer.
Book Your HVAC Maintenance with Trilogy AC Today
Serving Houston, Katy, and other Texas areas, Trilogy AC Cooling and Heating is ready to keep your system at peak performance throughout the year. Start the New Year with peace of mind — schedule your professional HVAC maintenance with Trilogy AC today!
