Heating and cooling systems are one of those things that you take for granted until you don’t have it anymore. Anyone who’s ever had an air conditioning unit stop working in the middle of August knows how much of a difference it makes to have a reliable HVAC system in place in your home.

Performing routine maintenance on your air conditioner and furnace is a necessary part of home upkeep, but can easily be overlooked or forgotten about. However, keeping this system running at optimal capacity can prevent expensive future issues, extend the lifespan of your machinery, and lower your utility bills—aka save you time, money, and stress.

DIY Maintenance
Think of a heating and cooling system like a car: It’s a big purchase and an important piece of machinery, so you keep an eye out for any signs of problems and perform regular maintenance and check-ups. For an HVAC system, basic maintenance is easy to do, even if you’re not a DIY-er. To start with, always ensure that the space within a two-foot radius of the unit is clear. Trim any surrounding bushes or plants to maximize airflow and prevent blockage.

Check at least monthly for any signs of a leak on your refrigerant lines, and replace the filter around every 3 months, with a high-efficiency filter if possible. Every few months, turn off power to your AC unit and then remove the fan to clear any leaves, grass, or other debris that may be restricting airflow.

In spring, turn off the water to your furnace humidifier. In the fall, replace the humidifier filter before turning it back on. Once a year, replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. These can alert you to an issue with your HVAC system as well as keep you and your family safe.

Professional Tune-up

HVAC systems are complex. If you’re a DIY-er, you can do much of the required maintenance on your own. However, there may be issues that only a professional can spot. For newer systems, plan on having a professional come out to take a look once a year, but for older systems, increase the frequency to once in the spring and once in the fall. It’s tempting to skimp on these visits, but routine maintenance saves you money since a check-up is a lot less expensive and time-consuming than experiencing a furnace failure in the middle of January.

Professional technicians can spot HVAC components that are wearing out and replace them before they fail, as well as give your heating and cooling system some preventive maintenance such as cleaning blowers, coils, etc. For professional HVAC service in the Delmarva area, contact the trusted experts at F.H. Furr! With over 80 years in the business, our company knows what to look for to ensure your heating and air conditioning system functions at its full capacity.