A well-maintained HVAC system can bring you reliable comfort throughout the muggy Dayton summers and crisp, cold winters. To take care of your system right, though, you’ll need to know a little about what it needs.
Is professional maintenance really that important? With normal use, your HVAC system collects dust and debris, and develops minor repair issues. You may not notice a dramatic difference at first, but these issues affect your system’s energy efficiency and performance. To keep your system in top shape while helping it last as long as possible, schedule annual professional maintenance inspections for your furnace and air conditioner.
What maintenance should I do myself? Check your air filter monthly and replace it when you see a layer dust. Thin fiberglass filters usually require monthly replacement. At the end of the cooling season, clean your outdoor condenser unit. Check your indoor evaporator coil for dust at least yearly and clean as needed. Keep your air registers and vents clean. Every year, inspect the air sealing and insulation on your air ducts.
What type of filter should I use? Standard 1-inch fiberglass filters keep debris out of your system, but they can’t improve your indoor air quality. If you want cleaner air, invest in a filter of MERV 5 to 12. If you have allergies, a MERV 10 to 12 filter is a better choice.
How can I make my system more efficient? Diligent maintenance is the most effective way to keep your system efficient. Sealing air leaks around your house also helps the system save energy. For more efficient temperature management, a programmable thermostat can help.
When will I need to replace my equipment? You can usually get at least 12 years out of an air conditioner and 20 out of a furnace. Even so, these systems lose efficiency and develop more repair issues with each passing year. To keep your bills low, start planning for a replacement when your system is around 10 years old.
Need help caring for your HVAC system? Contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services in the Dayton area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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