Regular maintenance, cleaning and knowing the signs when your HVAC system is struggling is the key to avoiding major repairs or even a furnace replacement.

These handy tips will help you stay warm and cozy all season long.

Four Tips For Avoiding Costly Furnace Repairs

Expensive furnace repairs are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. It all boils down to proper maintenance and troubleshooting at the first sign of a problem.

Knowing what to look for and being able to recognize the flags is the first step to a smooth and warm winter season.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance Calls Every Spring and Fall

We tend to think of maintenance as a once a year thing. But most HVAC systems are really a two in one operation.

We run the air conditioning in the spring, summer and early autumn and the heat or furnace during the winter.

So scheduling tuneup service calls at the beginning of your heating and cooling season is money well spent.

Your service technician will clean your equipment, prime it for high performance and inspect the units for potential irregularities. Seasonal tuneups like these can prevent up to 95 percent of HVAC repair calls.

Change Your Filters Monthly

Your heating and cooling system runs pretty much continuously all year long. Depending on the size of your household, whether you have pets, and the level of dust and dirt in your house, your air filters may be seriously taxed and working on overload.

A monthly replacement of your air filters is a must. If you notice a dust and dirt build up – you should change your filter asap.

Check Your Condensate Line

When your system operates, it pulls moisture from the air and drains it through plastic tubing known as the condensate line.

The line typically empties outside. If dust and debris get into the line it is possible for the line to clog up spilling water around the furnace.

Check around your furnace regularly for signs of moisture. If you notice anything amiss, call your qualified technician to troubleshoot the problem.

Check The Area Around The Outside Unit Regularly

Your heat pump and mini split operate using outside units to bring in air. Make sure that the area around these units are kept free of debris.

Make sure that any landscape plantings are cut back away from these units and any leaf or pine needle material is kept away from the units. It is important to have good air circulation for optimal operation.

Also – your outside unit should sit on a level, sturdy pad to allow for maximum efficiency avoiding strain on any component in the unit.

If you notice that settling has occurred and your unit is no longer level, contact your HVAC expert as soon as possible to make the proper adjustment.

Costly Repairs Don’t Need To Happen

Your heating and cooling system is one of the most significant home investments that you will make. Just as you regularly service your car, change the oil, rotate your tires – your HVAC system requires routine maintenance as well.

The good news is that basic maintenance is not very expensive and most of it can be done by the homeowner.

But if you hear “funny noises” or unusual smells, contact your qualified HVAC technician immediately to avoid a more costly repair.

Your local technician will be happy to come out to troubleshoot the problem and give you an expert analysis of the health of your system.