Taking time to maintain your heating system each year makes a huge difference in how comfortable your home is and how much you spend on heating costs. Here are five must-know maintenance tips, some for ducted systems and others for ductless units, that can save you money and make your living space cozier.

Remember to Change or Clean the Air Filter

Failing to change or clean the heater’s air filter(s) is a common mistake that makes the system work harder and use more energy. For ducted furnaces, change the filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter, how often the system runs and whether you have indoor pets that shed. Most ductless mini-splits need filter washing every few weeks. It’s a simple task that keeps the heater running smoothly and efficiently.

Wipe Down and Vacuum Air Vents

Keeping the air vents clean is crucial to making sure the system doesn’t blow hidden dust and pet dander back into your living space. The best way to clean them is to wipe them down once a month and use a handheld vacuum to suck out dust, dirt and other allergens hiding down in the duct openings.

Get Leaky Air Ducts Fixed

Leaks in your ductwork allow the warm air to escape before it reaches your living space. As a result, the heater must work extra hard to keep the house comfortable. You may be able to repair minor cracks or loose connections with foil HVAC tape or duct mastic. But you still need a skilled HVAC technician to inspect the entire duct system. There may be hidden air leaks that require professional tools and expertise to locate and repair.

Have Dirty Ductwork Cleaned

If it’s been more than a year or two since you’ve had the ductwork cleaned, schedule an appointment. Over time, central ducted systems accumulate lots of dust, pet hair and other allergens, which can impede airflow and degrade the home’s indoor air quality. If you have a ductless system, you don’t have to worry about this issue because the conditioned air flows directly into the rooms through indoor air handlers.

Test the Thermostat for Accuracy

One of the worse things for a home’s heating efficiency is a thermostat that doesn’t provide accurate readings. This will make the heater run when it doesn’t need to and vice versa. To test the thermostat’s accuracy, take these simple steps:

• Use a portable thermometer to read the temperature in a space that’s a few feet away from the thermostat.
• Check the readings on both devices.
• If there’s a difference of more than 3 degrees, you have a problem.
• Call a professional to recalibrate the thermostat.

The smartest way to keep your heating system running efficiently is to schedule annual maintenance for ducted systems and seasonal maintenance for ductless ones. You’ll greatly appreciate having a heater that operates reliably, uses less energy and is less likely to break down when you need it most. If you live in Colorado Springs, CO or a surrounding area and need heating maintenance services, make your first call to Peak Home Performance.