Here in Wayne, PA, warm, humid summers and frigid, snowy winters mean we rely on our HVAC systems almost every single day. Whether you’re warming your space with a furnace or staying cool with an air conditioner, it’s vital that you understand how to maintain and care for your systems to ensure smooth operation, long equipment lifespans, and optimal energy efficiency. Keep reading for our top HVAC tips for homeowners!

Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly with These Expert Tips

With a few simple, proactive habits, you can dramatically extend the service life of your AC and heating systems, improve HVAC efficiency, and lower your risks of needing furnace or AC repair when you least expect it. Use these Wayne, PA HVAC maintenance tips to keep your systems in the best possible condition.

Replace or Clean Your Air Filters Regularly

One of the best, easiest energy-saving HVAC tips is to simply keep up with regular air filter cleaning or replacement. While the exact frequency will depend on your usage and the manufacturer’s instructions, you should generally be changing or cleaning the filters every 1 to 3 months. By following this simple air filter replacement tip, you could boost your HVAC efficiency by 5% to 15%.

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings Year-Round

Another good way to boost efficiency and HVAC system lifespan is by paying attention to your thermostat. We recommend setting your summer cooling temperature to 78°F and your winter heating temperature to 68°F, but you’ll have to consider your heating and cooling needs when reading thermostat settings tips. From here, try adjusting one or two degrees at a time to find a comfortable level.

Schedule Preventative HVAC Maintenance in Wayne, PA

Seasonal HVAC maintenance is one of the most important parts of keeping your systems in good condition. We suggest having your systems professionally maintained and inspected at least once a year, ideally before the season you’ll be using them. This means getting AC maintenance in early spring and heater maintenance in early fall.

Seal Ductwork and Insulate for Better Efficiency

Your AC or heater might be in perfect working order, but if your HVAC ductwork has leaks or your home is poorly insulated, you’ll experience poor climate control performance and steadily rising energy bills.

To combat this common issue, check all exterior windows and doors in the home for drafts and reseal them to prevent air loss. Next, we recommend contacting a Wayne HVAC service professional to inspect your ductwork and look for any signs of leaks or damage that could be limiting the efficiency of your systems.

If you’re still dealing with poor HVAC efficiency after the above steps, the trouble might be your home’s insulation. Adding or replacing insulation can come with a higher upfront cost, but the energy savings can be very significant, often paying for itself within just a few years. Because your home will be better insulated, you’ll actually be able to run your HVAC system less while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Know the Signs that It’s Time for HVAC Repair or Replacement

Every HVAC system has a lifespan, after which point it will steadily perform worse and worse while costing more and more in monthly energy bills. For this reason, it’s important to know when to replace HVAC systems. Common signs that it’s time to look for a new HVAC include:

• Air conditioner or furnace is more than 10 to 15 years old
• Unit is dealing with repeated issues and constantly needs repairs
• Steadily rising energy bills with no change in usage
• Loud, unusual noises from unit while running
• Unpleasant odors while using HVAC systems
• Short-cycling (repeatedly switching on and off without reaching set temperatures)

Of course, many of these problems can be repaired, but you should be realistic about how many times you’ll fix the unit before eventually making the investment in something reliable. If it feels like you’re just paying to fix one HVAC issue after another, we recommend contacting local HVAC technicians in Wayne, PA to discuss your options to replace your units with something more efficient, modern, and reliable.

Call the Pros at Chud Cooling & Heating in Wayne, PA

If you’re tired of a temperamental, inefficient HVAC system, we don’t blame you. If your AC is so bad that it’s making the Delaware River look inviting, or your furnace is leaving you to freeze through the night, it’s time to get a little help from the professionals.

At Chud Cooling & Heating, we have the experience, knowledge, and tools to get your systems running smoothly, reliably, and efficiently once again. Whether your unit is in need of a little basic maintenance, minor repairs, or even complete replacement, you can count on our HVAC technicians to provide comprehensive options and outstanding service, ensuring you can enjoy the comforts of home no matter the weather outside.

With more than 50 years of experience in going above and beyond for homeowners in our Wayne, PA community, the Chud team is here to help you live a better life in your home. From routine HVAC tune-ups to full system replacements, there’s no job too big, small, or tricky for our technicians to tackle. Ready to say goodbye to high energy bills and lackluster HVAC? Contact us today!