As a homeowner, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way in terms of identifying potential problems before they happen, as well as eliminating problems before they have a chance to develop.
This is particularly true when it comes to your HVAC system. Given that we receive all four seasons here in Vancouver, the environment outside will dictate the demands on your system and the comfort you experience inside. Here are some tips on how to keep your system in tip-top shape.
1 - Don’t Forget the Thermostat
Ideally, you’d probably like your interior temperature to hover around 21C most of the time. You’ve got to take into account what’s going on outside, and what the associated demands might be on your system. Namely, if it’s quite warm outside, it’s harder for your system to cool itself 
down.
If it’s cold outside (which it will be as the fall progresses), your system will work harder to compensate.
2 - Start to Use Fans
Don’t turn that ceiling fan off just because summer is over. It can help circulate the air and keep your heating more even.
3 - Close Vents Strategically
Closing your vents in rooms that are not frequently used is a good way to keep the warm air where it needs to be. This can be a great way to heat your space more efficiently- saving you money and saving wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Just be careful not to close off too many rooms (you’ll restrict air flow) or to close vents in rooms where there is a thermostat (you’ll push your system into overdrive, for falsely detecting cool temperatures inside). By the same token, make sure that furniture and the like aren’t blocking registers in areas where you want the warm air to flow.
4 - Inspect Your Ducts
If you’ve got leaky ducts, then the ducts will have all kinds of escape hatches for the warm air to get out before it gets to you. This means wasting warmth, which means wasting money. Check your ducts for leaks before the season changes.
5 - Avoid Clutter Around Your Condenser
One of the greatest culprits behind low air flow and high energy bills is a crowded condenser. Prune back any plant life, and give your condenser room to breathe (literally) by making sure that there is nothing blocking input and output.
6 - Be Sure to Change Your Air Filters Every Month
Changing your air filters is a quick and easy way to keep your system running steadily. An air filter littered with debris will reduce the overall energy efficiency of your unit.
It also negatively impacts the air quality in your home. If you aren’t replacing your filter every month, at least clean it out.
7 - Visual Inspection
Make some time as the seasons change to take a look at your system. Do you see rust? Is there water pooling anywhere? How about funny noises that don’t sound quite right? If there is something that catches your attention, get it fixed now, before the colder weather hits.
How you take care of your HVAC system will impact how long it lasts and how well it runs. We’re happy to help you with preventative maintenance, and any other assistance that you may need. Call us today at (604) 734-0890.
