With the weather turning colder as we head deeper into the autumn months, you’re likely switching off your air conditioners and turning on your furnaces.
Weather extremes are putting more pressure on homeowners’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) when keeping homes cool during the summer and toasty warm in the winter. That’s one reason it’s more important than ever to keep up your HVAC maintenance. But that’s not always top of mind for homeowners.
The HVAC runs in the background, which means you likely don’t give it much thought — until it breaks down. But many costly HVAC disasters can be prevented. For example, fewer than half of homeowners, 47%, say they’ve had HVAC servicing within the last year, despite experts advising annual HVAC servicing to avoid expensive repairs. Even fewer homeowners, 32%, say they’ve done basic cleaning and HVAC maintenance, according to a recent Hippo Insurance survey.
HVAC maintenance tips
To be fair, many homeowners may not be sure about what to do to keep their HVAC system at peak running order.
The good new is that many of the HVAC maintenance tasks that will keep your system operating efficiently are DIY. Such as:
1. Change HVAC filters regularly
Air filters keep dust, allergens and other pollutants from getting into your ductwork and HVAC. High-efficiency pleated air filters (also known as MERV 11 or 12 filters) can capture the smallest particles. Change your filter according to this schedule:
• No pets: Every 90 days
• With pets: Every 60 days
• For allergies: Every 30 to 45 days
2. Keep HVAC units clean
Likewise, vents, registers, and condenser and evaporator coils need to be kept clean to prevent a buildup of dust and dirt that could increase energy costs and even reduce your HVAC’s lifespan. AC maintenance tips include keeping outdoor units clean and free of any obstructions by at least two feet for proper air flow.
3. Seal out drafts and keep heat or cool air in
Install weather stripping on the top of doors to seal out drafts and prevent warm or cool air from escaping. Caulk around windows, floors and other potential sources of heat leakage to help reduce costs.
4. Consider a smart thermostat
Monitor your thermostat to make sure it’s working properly and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to increase your unit’s efficiency and avoid overrunning it. These can enable you to set weekly schedules automatically and prevent energy waste.
5. Examine ducts for leaks and holes
Ducts help distribute the air throughout the house, but up to 30% of the air that moves through ducts can get lost because of leaks, holes, or poorly connected ducts, according to Energy Star. Signs of faulty ducts include rooms that are difficult to heat or cool. Seal any leaks or holes with duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape.
6. Clean the HVAC drain line
HVACs have an AC condensate drain line that can become clogged with built-up sediment, algae or mold. Some AC units have sensors that may alert you when they detect clogs. If you don’t have those, telltale signs include full drain pans, water around the indoor unit, an AC that won’t turn on, or a musty odor when running the AC. Clean the drain line every three months with a mixture of bleach and water.
7. Check carbon monoxide detectors
HVAC systems are a common source of the potentially fatal, odorless gas known as carbon monoxide, particularly when units have been poorly maintained. Your HVAC system can even spread carbon monoxide further around your house. Without a detector, you likely won’t know if CO is present. Replace CO monitor batteries and run monthly tests to make sure monitors are working properly.
8. Assess the flame colour on natural gas furnaces
On natural gas furnaces, check the colour of the unit’s flame. It should be a crisp blue. If the flame appears yellow, orange, or green or pops of these colours, contact an HVAC tech immediately. It may indicate a combustion problem, which can lead to rising amounts of carbon monoxide.
9. Schedule a professional checkup
Experts advise having an HVAC system inspected by a professional at least once a year to prevent costly future issues or breakdowns. An HVAC replacement could cost 25 times the cost of a simple inspection. So, the inspection may be money well spent.
6 common HVAC problems
Red flags can signal that your HVAC isn’t running properly. Those symptoms include unusual sounds and odours, inconsistent temperatures, frequent cycling, and poor airflow. HVAC experts say the following six are the most common problems they spot:
• Refrigerant leaks This can reduce cooling power and make your home less comfortable and lead to higher utility bills.
• Pilot light off Furnaces may not be getting enough gas if the pilot light isn’t on. It could be a sign of a gas issue, faulty thermocouple (a device used to measure temperatures), or even cracks in the heat exchanger.
• Thermostat malfunctions Inconsistent temperatures throughout the home, frequent cycling on and off (or short cycling), and poor airflow could point to problems with the thermostat, blower motor, or clogged filters.
• Gas leaks Beware of any smells of rotten eggs inside the home. It could indicate a sulfur gas leak in your HVAC system. If you suspect a gas leak, vacate your home immediately and call Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376).
• Clogged filters Dirty or clogged HVAC filters force the system to work harder, leading to wear and tear, overheating, or even a total shutdown.
• Aging units HVACs typically last 15 to 25 years. The average lifespan for furnaces is 15 to 20 years; heat pumps, 16 years; and air conditioning units, 10 to 15 years).
If you spot problems, contact a technician for HVAC servicing. Check online directories for heating and cooling companies such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or ask neighbours or a REALTOR® for recommendations. Be sure to read online reviews of any HVAC service companies you’re considering.
If you’re looking to make energy efficiency upgrades to your property, Manitoba Hydro offers a Home Energy Efficiency Loan that lets you finance your renovations through monthly payments added to your energy bill. There’s no down payment and they pay the contractor directly. Visit hydro.mb.ca for more info.
Skimping on HVAC maintenance can be costly. But by following these simple steps and tips, you can save on your utility bills and repair costs while feeling a lot more comfortable no matter the time of year.
— REALTOR.com