Benefits of caring for your heating and cooling system:

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• ​Saving on your energy bills

• Keeping your home comfortable

• Making your system last longer and saving you money in future

• Keeping your system safe

• Ultimately helping the environment by reducing energy consumption

Professional maintenance – it is recommended to have your heating and cooling system checked yearly by a professional – air conditioners in early spring and furnaces in early Fall – your furnace and air conditioner are complex systems with moving parts and components that need to be maintained and occasionally replaced – having periodic maintenance keeps your system safe, improves its longevity, improves your home’s comfort, and saves you money down the road.

Filter – it is very important to check your filter regularly – clean with a vacuum and have it replaced when dirty – this is often necessary to keep your warranty, and it keeps your heating and cooling system working properly saving on wear and tear and eventual cost in the long run. It is quite a simple thing that you can do considering how much money and hassle you can save yourself in the future.

Thermostat – be sure to keep your thermostat set to what you need only, turning down your heating and cooling in the evenings and while are you not at home or on vacation, checking its operation to ensure it is working properly. A digital thermostat is a good investment as they are programmable and much more efficient at activating your system only as much as is necessary for your comfort and needs.

Local venting and structural venting – having 'supply' and 'return' vents in all rooms and on all levels in your home will significantly improve air flow and comfort throughout the home (including your attic and basement), as well as local venting such as in the kitchen or bathroom exhausting excess moisture reducing the strain on your system.

Indoor and outdoor vents – check all vents inside AND outside your home to ensure that they are not dirty or blocked in any way, by furniture or objects inside your home, or dirt, grass and snow outside. This is for the same reason as for your filter: it will ensure your system is not working under extra strain, saving you energy costs, reducing damage to your system, and overall keeping your home comfortable.
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Ceiling fans – installing a ceiling fan in central locations or in rooms with high ceilings helps air flow and distribute warm air in the winter and helps you feel cooler in summer.

Outdoor unit – check and keep your outdoor AC unit clear and clean of grass and debris – keep it clear at least 3 feet around and wash off grass etc with a hose and clean with a soft broom. This system needs to exhaust heat outside, therefore keeping it clear and clean ensures that the entire system inside and out will operate properly. 

Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors – make sure you have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your furnace room and your home – checking your batteries monthly.

Surge protectors – a surge protector diverts electrical surges from harming your home’s appliances, electronics, and importantly your heating and cooling units. It is an inexpensive precaution which is worth installing considering how much it could potentially save you and keep you safe.

Awareness – familiarize and educate yourself and family members on how to operate your circuit breaker controls for your heating and air conditioning equipment and other appliances in your home. Turn off circuit breakers to your heating and air conditioning during power outages to prevent harmful spikes in electricity that could occur when power returns.

Flooding – it is crucial that you get heating and cooling systems professionally inspected following a flood or any event causing damage to your home that could also affect your heating and cooling system.

Additional advice:

Close your blinds and curtains during the day in summer to reduce heat – and open them in the winter to use the sun’s heat, reducing your energy consumption.

In summer – open windows early morning and late evening when it is cooler outside to naturally cool your home as much as possible, helping to reduce the strain on your AC.

Vacuum your home regularly (especially if you have pets) reducing the amount of dirt and dust clogging your filter, ductwork, and vents.
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Have your ductwork inspected/cleaned by a professional service, which could significantly improve your heating and cooling system operation and keep your air clear and clean.