You might not think about HVAC maintenance very often, but it’s something every Charleston, SC, homeowner should have in mind. Not only is it important to have your AC running for the summer months, but you also need reliable heating when it gets cold in the winter. The best way to keep your HVAC system in working condition is to have an air conditioning and heating service professional perform maintenance regularly. To find out more about how you can keep your heating and cooling up and running and save yourself money, keep reading.
Seasonal Maintenance
The first step to taking better care of your AC and furnace is to get professional help. Even if you’re taking a peek at your HVAC system every now and then and keeping things clean, there are other things that need to be done to prevent problems. An air conditioning and heating service professional can perform seasonal maintenance to make sure your heating and cooling are ready for the demanding seasons.
It’s important to have seasonal maintenance done at the right time so you’re preparing your HVAC system for the demanding season and doing maintenance when you don’t need to use it. For most people, seasonal maintenance is easiest during the spring and fall. There’s a good chance you won’t need to use your heating or cooling during these seasons, plus you can get them ready for summer and winter when they really need to work.
Keep in mind that seasonal maintenance is only one part of the puzzle. If you want to keep your HVAC system in good shape, you need to call an air conditioning and heating service company when you have any problems.
Replacing Your Air Filter
One mistake a lot of Charleston, SC, homeowners make when it comes to HVAC maintenance is not replacing the air filter. Air filters are great because they remove contaminants from the air, but they can also become clogged and cause a serious reduction in airflow. The good news is, you don’t have to call a service professional to change your air filter every time.
Air filters need to be changed fairly often, and it depends on your household. If you live alone, you can get away with having an air conditioning and heating service expert change your air filter every six months during seasonal maintenance. If you have pets or live with other people, your air filter needs to be changed every three months or so. For large families with several pets, experts recommend an air filter change once every month or so.
If you have people in your home with allergies, consider talking to an air conditioning and heating service professional about upgrading to a better air filter. Investing in a HEPA air filter or one with a higher MERV rating can help keep the air in your home cleaner.
Proper Heating and Cooling Operation
You might not think about how you’re using your heating and cooling very often, but proper operation is important. The more you use your furnace or AC, the quicker it’s going to wear down and the sooner you’ll need to replace it. By the same token, you don’t want to avoid using your furnace or AC to the point where you aren’t keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
One of the best things you can do to extend the life of your furnace and AC is to invest in a better thermostat. An air conditioning and heating service company can install a thermostat in next to no time, and you can get a great new thermostat without spending a fortune. Make sure you’re programming your thermostat so you’re only heating or cooling your home when you need to.
It’s also important to set your thermostat to the right temperature. As much as you may want to keep your home at a 60 degrees in the summer or 75 in the winter, you should try to stay between 64 and 68 degrees as often as you can. This will help reduce the demand on your HVAC system so it lasts longer.
When It’s Time to Replace
No matter how well you stay on top of maintenance, there comes a time when you have to replace your furnace and AC. As a homeowner, you need to know what signs to look out for so you’re not stuck without heating and cooling when you need it most. Luckily, there are a few simple signs that let you know when it’s time to replace a component in your HVAC system.
If you have a problem with your furnace or AC that’s going to cost a lot to repair, compare the cost of that repair with the cost of replacing the unit. In some cases, you can spend a little more to get a brand-new furnace or AC. This is especially worth it if your furnace or AC is old and could be nearing the end of its life.
Speaking of the lifespan of heating and cooling systems, that’s another thing to consider. You can’t expect HVAC components to last too long, so it’s not a bad idea to have an air conditioning and heating service expert upgrade you every once in a while. Plus, you’ll save money each month when you upgrade to a more efficient model.
Call Carney & Son
If you want your furnace and AC to last a long time, you need to keep up with seasonal service and stay on top of repairs. For that reason, it’s a smart idea to find a good air conditioning and heating service expert you can count on.
Next time you need maintenance or have a problem with your HVAC system, Carney & Son 72 Degrees is here. Thanks to years of experience, we can take care of all your air conditioning and heating service needs. If you’ve got an HVAC problem, call Carney & Son 72 Degrees at (843) 242-7065 to get it fixed.
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