Most homeowners know the importance of scheduling annual maintenance calls for their cooling and heating systems. Such calls not only help keep mechanical units running smoothly, but can catch potentially-expensive repair issues early before they cause a system to cease functioning and cost a lot of money. However, scheduling annual maintenance calls isn’t the only thing you can do to extend the life of your HVAC systems. There are several things you can do between calls to keep your furnace and cooling system healthy. 

1. Change your air filters. The number one thing you can do to keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly is to change your air filters regularly. A clogged filter taxes the motor and uses more energy than necessary.

2. Check your ducts. Leaking ductwork makes your system have to work harder since a portion of the conditioned air isn’t making it up to your rooms. Repair any holes or leaks with mastic tape.

3. Test your thermostat periodically. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your thermostat is functioning properly. A faulty thermostat can cause your furnace to cycle on and off, taxing the motor.

4. Check your furnace pilot light. Take a peak at your furnace pilot light every so often. A yellow-ish light could be an indication of furnace repair issues. If you see a yellow glow, call the professionals.

5. Clear the drains. Newer heating systems have drains that carry the condensation away from the unit, either to a floor drain or to the exterior of your building. These drains can get clogged over time and cause the moisture to back up into your furnace. Turn the system off and carefully use a wire hanger to clear debris.

Keeping your HVAC systems healthy doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Just remember to change your filters regularly, make sure your ducts are well sealed, test your thermostat and make sure that your furnace drains are clear.