7 Essential HVAC Tips
Congratulations! You signed the dotted line and are officially the proud owner of a home. Making the leap from renter to owner is no easy feat but it comes with a great deal of new responsibility. There’s no landlord to depend on when something goes awry— that duty now falls on you. Our team at 3C Mechanical Technologies wants to help make this transition smooth and ensure you enjoy this experience as a homeowner. Part of that includes following these HVAC maintenance steps in the early stages so you can save money and help your unit run efficiently and reliably.
Get familiar with your HVAC system
Find out how your home is heated and cooled. Do you have a traditional furnace or boiler, a cost-effective heat pump, or a compact ductless mini-split? Once you determine this, find out if your unit is powered by fuel, electricity, oil, natural gas, or propane. Lastly, you should figure out your unit’s age. The typical lifespan of an HVAC system is anywhere between 10 to 15 years. Anything older will likely experience problems and work inefficiently.
Change the air filters
This step is one that many homeowners neglect but it is so simple! Keep your HVAC system running in peak performance by replacing its air filter every three to six months. We recommend changing this part regularly because it can easily build up with dust particles and harm the air quality indoors. You can even purchase reusable filters to save on costs!
Take care of your outdoor unit
Don’t forget to maintain your outdoor unit. Leaves, branches, and other debris have a way of getting stuck and blocking proper airflow. A weekly sweep can help avoid this problem.
Schedule routine maintenance
For some reason, home emergencies always strike at the worst moments. You don’t want to wait until the dead of winter or sweltering summer to find out that your heater or air conditioner has broken down. Avoid this problem by scheduling routine maintenance with an HVAC professional. Contractors can perform a multitude of services including duct inspections, filter changes, and safety checks. At 3C Mechanical, our maintenance plan offers discounts and priority assistance among other benefits.
Know the optimal thermostat settings
Maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system with the best settings. We recommend you set it to 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% by scaling your thermostat back 7 – 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. This may seem like a long time but this can easily be done when you’re out at work or sleeping.
Don’t block vents
Many people will attempt to save on their utility costs by closing the vents to unused rooms. Avoid doing this because it counteractively makes your system work harder to reach the desired temperature. We also recommend keeping your vents clear from any furniture or other objects.
Find a reliable and qualified HVAC company
Don’t wait until you have an emergency to choose a company to work on your home. You’ll be scrambling and stressed and could make the wrong choice. Search for one in advance so you have a chance to vet the different options and find the one that’s best for your specific needs. You should look for a licensed company with a great deal of experience and referrals.
Contact 3C Mechanical Technologies Today
With these tips equipped, you can rest assured knowing your HVAC system is in good hands. You can also count on 3C Mechanical Technologies to handle any maintenance, repairs, or installation jobs. Our experienced technicians have been servicing the Waco area for over 40 years and can help you today. Contact us online or give us a call at (254) 414-2115 to schedule a five-star service.
