An efficient heating and cooling system keeps your home comfortable, costs less to run and lasts longer. Most of what makes the difference is simple routine care. Use this checklist to keep your system working efficiently all year.
1. Change filters on schedule
A clogged filter forces the blower to work harder, cuts airflow and can cause the AC coil to freeze. Check your filter monthly and replace it every one to three months, more often with pets, construction dust or wildfire smoke. A MERV 8 to 11 pleated filter is a good fit for most homes.
2. Keep the outdoor unit clear
Your outdoor condenser or heat pump needs open space to move air. Keep about two feet clear on all sides, trim shrubs and ivy, and remove leaves and lawn clippings. Near the coast, gently hosing off salt and sand buildup a few times a year (with the power off) helps the coil transfer heat efficiently.
3. Use thermostat schedules
Set the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer and a few degrees lower in winter when you're asleep or away. A programmable or smart thermostat does this automatically. Avoid large swings; your system works most efficiently when it holds a steady setting.
4. Seal and insulate ductwork
Ducts in attics and crawl spaces can leak a significant share of conditioned air before it reaches your rooms. Signs of leaky ducts include rooms that never get comfortable, a dusty house, and high bills. Sealing joints and insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces is one of the most cost-effective efficiency upgrades.
5. Keep vents open and unblocked
Closing vents in unused rooms doesn't save energy on most central systems. It raises pressure in the ducts and can make the system less efficient. Keep supply and return vents open and free of furniture, rugs and curtains.
6. Book annual tune-ups
A professional tune-up before summer and before winter catches small problems early. A technician cleans and inspects coils, checks refrigerant and electrical components, clears the condensate drain, and tests the burners, ignition and safety controls on the heating side. Well-maintained systems use less energy and tend to last longer.
Make it automatic with a maintenance plan
Our maintenance plans schedule your spring cooling and fall heating tune-ups for you, so routine care doesn't slip through the cracks. Precision Air Inc serves homes and businesses across coastal North County and San Diego County.
Need service? Call (760) 858-8000, Monday–Friday 8–5, or send us a message.