HVAC maintenance is very important While you are preparing your heater for winter, don’t forget to take some preventative measures with your air conditioning unit. Whether it’s your home, business, or property, preventative A/C maintenance is essential if you want your systems to be up and running come next summer. Here are six preventative maintenance tips for fall and winter.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Fall and Winter

Clean or Replace Air Filters

The first thing you should do is check your HVAC filter for buildup of dust and dirt. Dirty HVAC filters restrict airflow and reduce the entire efficiency of the HVAC system, causing your heating costs to increase over the fall/winter season. You should clean your air filters monthly, and if you’ve forgotten to clean over the summer, it is probably time for a replacement.

Maintain Your Fireplace

Before you build your first fire of the season, be sure to have your fireplace cleaned by a professional. Months of neglect means possible debris blocking your chimney, or creosote buildup from last year’s fireplace season. Both blockages and creosote are fire hazards that should be taken care of right away.

If Your HVAC System is Ancient, Replace It

Replacing the home’s HVAC system is an expensive proposition, but if your system is old and inefficient, the added comfort and financial benefits of a new system can be very real. If your system is more than 10 years old, ask a service technician’s opinion on the longevity of your system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing it with a new high-efficiency model could reduce your home’s annual energy bill by as much as 20 – 40 percent.

Check Your Thermostat