7 Spring/Summer Maintenance Tips for Your HVAC System

Your home’s heating and cooling unit may be a silent support system, but when it comes to your energy bill, its presence is as loud as can be. How loud? According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the average household energy expense is about $2,200 per year, and nearly half that amount can be tied directly to costs associated with heating and/or cooling your home. That’s pretty loud.

The costs associated with controlling the temperature in your home are significant, and if your HVAC system isn't running efficiency, then your costs only go up. Fortunately, ensuring your HVAC system is running at peak performance doesn’t always require an expensive repair bill. There are plenty of things you can do to make sure your HVAC system is up to the task with a little preventative maintenance.

Make a habit of doing these seven things, and your silent energy partner won’t shout so loud when the monthly bill arrives.
 

1. Change the furnace filter. Why is this tip number one? Simple: It’s easy to do and can have a big impact on the health of your HVAC system. A clean filter can reduce your energy usage by 15 percent according to the Alliance to Save Energy. If your filter is temporary, replace it every month on a day you’ll remember — like the first of the month. And if it’s a permanent filter, take it out and rinse it off monthly.
2. Clear the drainage hole. Air conditioners commonly have a drainage hole located at their cabinet’s base. The hole is usually located beneath the evaporator fins. In order for your air conditioner to work effectively, this hole must be kept clear. While the hole may be too small for you to clean out manually, a paper clip or small piece of wire works wonderfully.

Read More: https://www.directenergy.com/learning-center/home-improvement/7-spring-summer-tips-hvac
Related Article: 5 top tips to protect your HVAC system through winter