Nothing can be more frustrating than needing repair on the basic systems necessary to keep your home in Big Bear functioning. Whether it’s a clogged toilet or a power outage, life seems to stop until the problem is fixed.
One of the most vital home appliances is your HVAC system, which keeps your family warm during the cold winter months and cool during the stifling heat of summer. Whether your system is one year old or going on its tenth anniversary, chances are you’ll at least occasionally need to call for service. But there are things you can do to keep those calls for help at a minimum. At the very least, when you do need service, your bills will be lower. Here are a few tips to help you keep your Big Bear HVAC Repair costs low.
Replace Air Filters
One of the easiest ways to take care of your heating and air system is to regularly change your air filters. Set a reminder for yourself and make sure you have one on hand to make it as easy as possible once the day arrives. How often you change your air filter depends on your household. If you use a higher-end filter, you may be able get away with only changing them every six months, provided you don’t have pets or household members with allergies. But with multiple pets or inexpensive filters, experts recommend monthly changes to keep your HVAC unit functioning properly.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Debris-Free
You may not realize that your outdoor unit is covered in dirt and debris, especially during the spring, summer, and early fall months when landscaping work can send grass and other particles flying. Regularly take a look at your outdoor unit and make sure your condenser coils look clean. Unless you’re comfortable cleaning them yourself, this may be a job you want to leave for a professional. Also avoid stacking items like garden hoses and landscaping tools on top of the HVAC unit, since this can interfere with airflow.
Seal and Insulate Your Ducts
A great deal of energy can escape through your home’s ductwork. You may not even realize your house isn’t properly insulated until you call a Big Bear HVAC Contractor out to take a look at it. This is especially true of ductwork located in areas like attics and crawlspaces that aren’t served by the home’s heating and air. Before calling a technician to check your ductwork, though, look for ways you might be restricting airflow by having furniture over vents or keeping vents closed. You can also vacuum each of your registers to remove dust that might be blocking air from getting into your rooms.
Invest in Maintenance
At least once a year, a professional should take a thorough look at your HVAC system. During this annual maintenance, the technician will not only check for issues and repair them, but you’ll also benefit from learning about Ways Regular Big Bear HVAC Maintenance Saves You Money. This small measure can dramatically extend the life of your HVAC system, while also making it operate more efficiently. The cost savings comes in your monthly utility bills, as well as your ability to delay replacing your system, giving you extra money you can put toward other expenses.
With regular HVAC Maintenance, your system can provide years of reliable use. Just a small annual expense will keep your unit functioning throughout Big Bear’s cold winters and warm summers, often lasting as long as 10-20 years.