Belleville, Illinois, homeowners experience everything from hot, humid summers to freezing winter temperatures. Your HVAC system has to be ready for both, which makes regular maintenance an important part of keeping your home comfortable throughout the year.
While professional HVAC maintenance is important, there are also several simple things homeowners can do between service visits.
Here are five HVAC tips that can help keep your heating and cooling system operating properly.
One of the easiest HVAC maintenance tasks is also one of the most important: regularly checking your air filter.
As a filter collects dust and debris, it can eventually restrict airflow through the system. This can make it more difficult for your heating or cooling equipment to move conditioned air throughout your home.
How often the filter needs to be replaced depends on the type of filter, your HVAC system, pets, household conditions, and how frequently the equipment operates. Instead of relying entirely on a fixed schedule, inspect the filter regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you’re concerned about dust, humidity, filtration, or other air concerns, Ehret can also help you explore ways to improve the indoor air quality in your home.
Your outdoor air-conditioning unit needs adequate airflow to release heat from your home.
Leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and other debris can accumulate around the unit, particularly after fall and winter. Before cooling season begins, inspect the area and remove visible debris.
Keep vegetation trimmed back and avoid placing lawn equipment, furniture, decorations, or other objects directly against the equipment.
You can also visually inspect the unit for obvious damage. Leave internal cleaning, electrical work, refrigerant service, and other technical maintenance to a qualified HVAC technician.
One of the best things you can do as a homeowner is simply pay attention to how your system normally operates.
Changes in performance can provide an early indication that something needs attention.
Watch for:
If your air conditioner is running but your home isn’t getting comfortable, it may be time to have the cooling system professionally inspected.
Catching a developing issue early may also help you address it before you’re left without air conditioning during a hot Belleville summer.
Your thermostat and vents are simple things to overlook, but both can affect home comfort.
Make sure furniture, rugs, curtains, and other household items aren’t blocking supply vents or return-air grilles. Good airflow throughout the home helps your HVAC system distribute conditioned air properly.
You should also make sure your thermostat responds correctly and is set to the appropriate mode for the season.
If some rooms remain significantly warmer or colder than others even with open, unobstructed vents, there may be an airflow, ductwork, equipment, or system-sizing issue that should be evaluated professionally.
Homeowner maintenance is useful, but it doesn’t replace professional service.
During an HVAC maintenance visit, a trained technician can inspect components that aren’t easily accessible to homeowners and look for signs of wear or developing problems.
Routine professional maintenance can help:
If something is already wrong with your air conditioner, don’t wait for routine maintenance to address it. Ehret also provides AC repair for Belleville-area homeowners when your cooling system isn’t operating properly.
Belleville’s changing seasons mean your air conditioner and heating system both need attention throughout the year.
The [Ehret FAN Club] makes that easier by providing HVAC system checks and maintenance twice per year. Regular seasonal maintenance helps prepare your air conditioner for summer and your heating equipment for winter while giving technicians an opportunity to identify potential problems before they become unexpected surprises.
A little attention throughout the year can go a long way toward keeping your HVAC system operating reliably.
Check your filter, keep the outdoor equipment clear, pay attention to changes in performance, make sure vents remain unobstructed, and have the system professionally maintained.
Ehret Inc. has served Belleville and surrounding Metro East communities for generations, providing professional heating, cooling, plumbing, and indoor air quality services.
If your HVAC system needs maintenance or isn’t keeping your home comfortable, schedule service with Ehret Inc. or call (618) 233-1018.
