HVAC systems are a critical system for almost every household, including those in Colorado Springs. The weather here is so diverse that we can be 90-100 degrees for part of the year, then be well under 32 degrees for another part of the year. The heating and air conditioning functions of your HVAC system must remain in top condition to ensure it is performing as it should. While we at Comfort By Design are trained to keep your system in top shape, there are things you as a homeowner can do to help ensure your system works efficiently all year long. We have broken down the steps you can take to keep your system in good order and operating at peak performance for both fall and winter maintenance as well as spring and summer maintenance.

Fall and Winter Preventative Maintenance Steps To Take

In colder climates and frigid Winter temperatures, it’s imperative to have an optimal functioning system that you can rely on to keep you warm through the Winter. Preventative maintenance checks and applying small maintenance tasks can make a big difference in the efficiency of your system.

• Thoroughly check your HVAC system for any signs of visible damage. If you are unsure of how to assess this, you can always give our team a call. Additionally, you can listen for loud or concerning noises.
• Ensure your system’s outer unit is free of dirt and debris and assure to clean it accordingly.
• Remove the cover and use a vacuum to remove all dust from the cover plate.
• Inspect all air filters and replace them if they are not clean. Dirty filters will be dark grey, whereas new, clean filters are pure white. Having a clean filter is important to having good air quality within the home.
• Inspect your thermostat’s temperature and calibration to see if it is accurate. At maximum efficiency, the feel of your home’s temperature should match the set temperature on the thermostat. If not, the system’s energy efficiency is compromised and may be the cause of high monthly energy bills.
• Where needed, check the insulation around your HVAC’s ducts.
• Make note of your HVAC’s refrigerant levels. If this is something you need further assistance on, you can always talk to our team about how to properly check.

Spring and Summer Maintenance Steps To Take

While we are providing information on how to take small preventative maintenance steps yourself, you should still schedule regular maintenance at least one time per year. Professional HVAC technicians can really dive deep into your system, as they are highly skilled, trained, and knowledgeable on not only what to look for,but how to properly perform necessary repairs as well. Warmer weather will call for air conditioning energy requirement checks to make sure your AC will keep you cool through the Summer months.

• At least once every three months, clean air filters and replace accordingly when necessary. Dark grey coloring signals an immediate need for a new, clean filter.
• Every two to three months, clean the cooling coil; replace if needed. Allowing for dirt and debris to buildup on your AC’s coils will make it difficult for the system to absorb and provide heat, causing the system to be less efficient. In turn, you can expect high energy consumption, insufficient energy efficiency and higher monthly energy costs as a result.
• Ensure your HVAC unit has no obstructions or debris around it. Wiping down your system seems like a minor task but it still is helpful.
• Check the unit’s wiring, motors, and other electrical components. You’re looking for broken or worn wires, or any visible signs of wear to motors and other parts. Please do not attempt to handle any noticeable wiring, motor, or electrical issues yourself. Please give us a call and allow our professionals to take a look.
• Examine the unit’s mechanical parts, including fans. Wipe off any buildup of dirt and dust on the fans, and note if the fan doesn’t seem to perform properly.
• Look at the insulation on your pipes and ducts. If you don’t know exactly what to look for, give us a call to advise you.
• Keep a tab on your energy bills and watch for any sudden price spikes.

By taking these steps and having annual maintenance plans, you can help to ensure your HVAC system is running in peak condition all year long. However, it can’t all be a DIY process. Qualified HVAC specialists will still need to take a regular look at your system and provide proper inspections, cleaning, tune-ups, and repairs. Call 1-719-374-1776 to schedule servicing with Comfort By Design’s experienced HVAC Preventative Maintenance technicians or contact us via our email form with any questions and we’ll get back to you shortly.