When it comes to staying comfortable at home, few things are more important than your heating and air conditioning system. Whether it’s keeping your family cozy during a frigid Colorado winter or providing refreshing cool air during the summer months, your HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) works tirelessly all year round.
But just like your car needs oil changes and tune-ups to perform efficiently, your HVAC system requires regular care too. Many homeowners immediately pick up the phone to call in experts when something goes wrong. While professional servicing is essential at certain times, there are also a number of simple DIY tips you can follow to extend the life of your system, improve efficiency, and even save money on energy bills.
In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the easiest yet most effective DIY strategies you can adopt before calling in the professionals from B&B Heating & Air Conditioning. By applying these tips, you’ll not only keep your HVAC running smoothly but also avoid unnecessary breakdowns.
1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
One of the simplest but most impactful steps you can take for your HVAC system is changing your air filters. Filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, allergens, and toxins from circulating in your home. Over time, these filters get clogged, forcing your system to work harder than it should.
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Why it matters: A clogged filter reduces airflow, increases strain on your HVAC unit, and leads to higher energy bills. It also lowers indoor air quality, which can be harmful to family members with allergies or respiratory issues.
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How often should you change them? Depending on your usage and the type of filter, you should change your air filter every 30–90 days. Homes with pets or people with allergies may need more frequent changes.
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DIY Tip: Always keep a couple of replacement filters on hand. Make a habit of checking the filter once a month—if it looks dirty or discolored, replace it immediately.
This small maintenance habit can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the long run.
2. Inspect Your Thermostat
A faulty thermostat is often overlooked, but it can be the root cause of many heating and cooling problems. Imagine your system working overtime just because the thermostat isn’t reading the temperature correctly!
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Check basic functions: Ensure the thermostat displays the correct temperature, responds when adjusted, and switches between heating and cooling without delay.
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Replace batteries: Many thermostats run on batteries. Dead or weak batteries may cause malfunctions. Swap them out at least once a year.
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Consider an upgrade: A programmable or smart thermostat can help you set schedules for heating and cooling, optimizing comfort and energy use. For instance, you can program it to reduce heating at night or while you’re away, and ramp it back up when you return home. This not only saves energy but also cuts down on your monthly utility bills.
If your HVAC system seems fine but you’re still experiencing temperature issues, the thermostat might be the culprit.
3. Keep Your Outdoor Units Clear
Your HVAC’s outdoor unit (often called the condenser) plays a vital role in transferring heat. For it to work properly, it needs adequate ventilation. Unfortunately, outdoor units are prone to being surrounded by grass clippings, leaves, branches, and even trash.
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DIY Maintenance Steps:
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Inspect the area around your unit at least once a month.
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Trim back plants, bushes, or trees at least 2 feet away from the unit.
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Remove any debris, including leaves, dirt, or snow buildup during winter.
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Pro Tip: After mowing your lawn, always check the condenser. Grass clippings are notorious for clogging the fins.
Keeping this unit clean and clear improves efficiency and prevents overheating, which can otherwise lead to costly repairs.
4. Clean Your Vents and Registers
Your vents and registers are the gateways through which conditioned air enters your rooms. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on them. Not only does this reduce airflow, but it also allows particles to travel into the HVAC system.
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DIY Steps:
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Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean vents and registers.
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Wipe them with a damp cloth for extra cleanliness.
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Check if any vents are blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs—blocked vents cause uneven heating or cooling.
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This simple cleaning habit ensures a smooth airflow throughout your home and enhances indoor air quality.
5. Schedule Regular Professional Servicing
Even with all the DIY maintenance in the world, there are certain tasks that should only be handled by certified HVAC technicians. A professional will:
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Inspect your system thoroughly.
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Clean components you can’t easily access, such as coils and ducts.
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Check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and system calibration.
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Identify small issues before they turn into costly breakdowns.
Think of professional servicing as a “health check” for your HVAC system. At least once a year, schedule a professional inspection. Many homeowners opt for bi-annual servicing—once before summer and once before winter—to ensure the system is prepared for seasonal extremes.
If you’re in Broomfield, CO, Littleton, CO, Arvada, CO, Lakewood, CO, Cherry Hills, CO, or Englewood, CO, you’re in luck—companies like B&B Heating & Air Conditioning are available locally to provide expert AC Installation, HVAC service, heating services, AC Repair, and Air Conditioning Service.
Additional DIY Tips to Boost Efficiency
Beyond the five key strategies above, here are a few extra steps you can take:
a) Check for Leaks in Ductwork
Leaks in ducts can waste a significant amount of conditioned air. You can visually inspect ducts for holes or disconnected joints. For minor leaks, duct tape or mastic sealant can help.
b) Adjust Ceiling Fans
In the summer, set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down. In winter, reverse them to clockwise to circulate warm air.
c) Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
Even the best HVAC system struggles if your home leaks air. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps, reducing strain on your system.
d) Monitor Strange Noises
If you hear grinding, banging, or squealing sounds, don’t ignore them. These could signal mechanical issues that need professional attention.
Why DIY Care Matters
Some homeowners wonder if these small steps really make a difference. The truth is—they absolutely do! Routine DIY care:
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Extends lifespan of your HVAC system.
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Improves indoor comfort by ensuring even heating/cooling.
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Reduces energy bills by maintaining efficiency.
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Prevents costly breakdowns that can happen when minor issues go unnoticed.
Think of it this way: spending just a few minutes a month on maintenance can save you hundreds (or even thousands) in the long run.
When to Call the Experts
While DIY tips are valuable, there are times when you need to step back and let a professional handle the issue. Call in the experts if you notice:
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Unusual smells (burning, musty odors).
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Persistent uneven temperatures in rooms.
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Refrigerant leaks or ice buildup on the outdoor unit.
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Weak airflow despite clean filters and vents.
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A sudden spike in energy bills without an obvious reason.
In such cases, reaching out to a trusted local company like B&B Heating & Air Conditioning ensures your system gets the care it needs without risking damage.
Final Thoughts
Your heating and air conditioning system is one of the most vital investments in your home. By following these simple DIY tips—changing filters, inspecting thermostats, keeping outdoor units clear, cleaning vents, and scheduling regular servicing—you can maximize its efficiency and lifespan.
And remember, while DIY maintenance is important, don’t hesitate to bring in the experts for more complex issues. Especially if you’re located in Broomfield, Littleton, Arvada, Lakewood, Cherry Hills, or Englewood, CO, you have access to reliable services for AC installation, heating, repair, and full HVAC support.
A little attention today can go a long way in keeping your family comfortable and your energy bills manageable tomorrow.
