Your heating and cooling system should never create headaches in your already hectic life. To you, it’s simply a machine that provides the appropriate amount of heating or cooling in your home. It never takes priority on your to-do list, or even enters your mind for that matter… until it breaks down.
Unfortunately, even the most responsible homeowners run into problems with their HVAC systems. Whether it’s functionality issues or cost issues, your heating and cooling system has the potential to create some pretty sticky situations. You don’t have time to deal with these situations in your day-to-day schedule. Avoid them by sticking to these four simple rules for easy and inexpensive HVAC upkeep.

1. Check Emergency Breakers

Ignorance can be expensive. For example, you pay for the cable guy to come “fix” your television, and what does he do to solve the problem? Hits the “ON” button. Meanwhile, we pay a ridiculous fee for something we could have very well done ourselves.
We’ve all had these moments, and we all slap ourselves afterwards. Therefore, it’s important to learn about your HVAC system in order to avoid unnecessary charges.
The next time you have the phone in your hands, ready to call your HVAC service tech, stop and check your emergency breaker switch. This is what powers your HVAC system. It might have accidentally been turned off (it does strike an uncanny resemblance to a light switch). Your E-switch may be at the top of your basement steps or near your furnace. Locate it, and make sure it’s turned on before you pay for unneeded service.

2. Change Air Filters

You should be changing the filters in your system every three months. A clogged air filter reduces airflow through your furnace. Two things happen when a dusty filter affects airflow:

• The internal components of your HVAC system fluctuate in temperature, leading to overheating and system shutdown.
• When airflow is minimal, but your system is turned to maximum, you’re still paying for maximum airflow; you’re just not getting it. Hence increasing your utility usage.

3. Schedule Regular Tune-Ups

Despite your best maintenance efforts, sometimes your HVAC requires professional care. To keep it running efficiently, have your system proactively maintained on an annual basis. An HVAC technician not only repairs and replaces, they also check for potential issues and make sure your system is operating safely and efficiently. Avoid frequent and costly repair bills by having your HVAC system professionally inspected at least once a year. Here’s what to expect from a typical HVAC tune-up service:

• Safety inspection of the system to ensure safe operation
• Checking of thermostat settings
• Tightening of all electrical connections
• Lubrication of all moving parts
• Cleaning the burners
• Checking and setting gas pressure to manufacture specifications
• Cleaning of the fan section
• Inspection of system controls
• And many other items

4. Avoid Thermostat Fluctuation

When you leave the house in the morning, you turn the heat all the way down. No one is going to be there all day and you don’t want to pay for unused heat. When you get home, you turn the heat all the way up to prepare for a comfortable sleep. This increases the power your system must use to adjust, ultimately increasing your utility costs. The misconception is that you will save on energy, but ultimately your system has to work harder. Therefore, do not fluctuate your thermostat more than 3-5 degrees.
You don’t want to spend a ton of money on utility costs or unnecessary HVAC repair. Follow these 4 golden rules to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and cost-effectively.
To learn more about the best ways to preserve your heating and cooling system, call 610-431-1616 (Chester County, PA) or 610-565-9999 (Delaware County, PA) or 610-879-0511 (Montgomery County) or click here to speak with an expert HVAC technician at MoreVent Heating, Air Conditioning And Plumbing.