Best Practices to Minimize Wear on Your HVAC System

Your heating and cooling are some of the most important systems in your home, and you want to make sure it is in top shape year-round. You also want to do all you can to boost efficiency, minimize wear, and prolong the life of your system. In addition to routine air conditioning and furnace repair in Los Gatos, CA, here are some of the best practices to keep in mind:

Change HVAC Filters

Seems too simple, but in this case, a simple step can be the most effective at prolonging the life of your heating and cooling system. The air filter does, in part, improve the air quality inside the home. But more so, the air filter on your HVAC system is meant to keep dust and debris out of the mechanical parts.

Install a New Thermostat

Upgrading the thermostat is another way to optimize heating and cooling performance. This is especially true if you have been using a manual thermostat all this time. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat will allow you to set certain times for the system to run and ensure you do not overuse your heating and cooling when you are not home. Some thermostats also allow you to control your HVAC system remotely, in case you forget to make adjustments before leaving the house. This simple step will improve efficiency and cut down on unnecessary wear and tear.

Improve Insulation 

In many cases, the HVAC system is only as efficient as the rest of your home. If you have leaky windows or gaps under the exterior doors, you can expect drafts to have a dramatic effect on your efficiency. The leaks will cause certain areas of your home to feel drafty and uncomforted. And to compensate, your system to run longer and more often, which will increase the wear and tear. Not to mention the impact it will have on your energy bills. If possible, do an energy audit on your home and figure out where you are most vulnerable so you can insulate and seal up leaks.  

Keep Vents Open 

A lot of homeowners close the vents in rooms they do not frequent, thinking this will help improve the efficiency of their heating and cooling. While a nice idea, it doesn’t work out as well as intended. The HVAC system was sized to provide the most efficient heating and cooling for the entire home. Closing off vents in certain rooms or covering them with furniture can actually force the system to work harder than is necessary. It is better to leave all the vents open and unobstructed as much as possible.

For more information about minimizing wear on your HVAC system or for air conditioning repair in Los Gatos, CA contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning.