Heating/Cooling Maintenance Tips

Summer can be tough on your system, which is why it’s important to start the season
off right.  With the proper upkeep, you can expect your air conditioner to last for 10
years or more—and consistently perform at its peak throughout its life.

One of the most important ways a homeowner can actively contribute to extending the
life of his or her air conditioner is to have a yearly inspection prior to each cooling
season. This will guarantee that the unit is prepared to work properly and at maximum
efficiency.

Here are six tips to help you get the most out of your air conditioning system:

  • Before summer begins, have your home’s air conditioning system cleaned and
    checked by a reputable dealer.

  • Invest in a good quality, pleated air filter designed to capture more dust and
    debris and clean it frequently, at least every 30 days.

  • Add insulation to your attic and weatherproof your house by covering all
    exposed windows and by weather-stripping all doors and windows.

  • Keep programmable thermostats at 78 degrees (F) or higher when not at home
    (for each degree you raise the thermostat above 78 degrees, you save up to five
    percent on cooling costs). If you don’t have a programmable thermostat,
    consider purchasing one. It’s worth the investment.


  • Dust or vacuum the vents in your home often to ensure the free flow of cool air.  
    Routinely replacing or cleaning the filters will help your air conditioner operate
    smoothly. Clogged or dirty filters block normal airflow and can reduce a
    system’s efficiency over time.

  • Take a walk around your yard. If trees or other plants shade your home, make
    sure that leaves and sticks are regularly cleared away from your air
    conditioner.



For most regions of the country, early fall means forgetting about heating and air
conditioning for a while. Crisp mornings and moderate temperatures during the day
create a comfortable existence with lower-than-average energy usage. Right around
the corner, however, is the first frost of winter and the promise of higher energy bills.
The transition period between the beginning of fall and the first days of cold weather is
the perfect time to evaluate your homes energy efficiency and weather resiliency, and
service your heating system. All of these things, along with following a few other simple
recommendations, can impact your energy usage.

Here are some tips for making your home as energy-efficient as possible:

  • Install storm or thermal windows and doors.

  • Caulk and weatherstrip all windows and doors.

  • Ensure your fireplace has a tight-fitting damper.

  • Tape and seal leaks in your duct system and coil enclosure. Consider adding
    insulation to your duct system.

  • For extremely cold climates, wrap your water heater with an insulated water
    heater blanket.

  • Seal gaps between heated and unheated spaces. This may be around pipes,
    ducts, fans or vents.

  • Consider installing ceiling fans with reversible motors. In the winter, fans push
    warm air that collects at ceiling level back down into the room.

  • If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider purchasing one;
    programmable thermostats are a great way to control the temperature in your
    home for maximum energy efficiency.

  • Install adequate insulation. Recommended: R-30 in ceilings, R-13 in exterior
    walls and R-11 in interior walls and floors.


If you’re in the market for a new home comfort system, select a high-efficiency,
variable-speed heating and air conditioning system. The Annual Fuel Utilization
Efficiency rating, or AFUE, indicates the efficiency of a gas furnace. The higher the
AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. If your present furnace is ten years old or older,
it’s probably in the 60 to 70 percent AFUE range. That means you’re wasting about 30
to 40 cents out of every dollar you spend for heat. By replacing your old furnace with a
new, high-efficiency model with an AFUE of 80 or 90 percent, more of the fuel you pay
for is turned into heat.

We also recommend having your heating system serviced prior to the
heating season.  

Below are some additional tips for keeping your home energy efficient:

  • Close shutters and drapes during winter nights.

  • Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower during the day.

  • When using your fireplace, turn your thermostat down.

  • Keep the damper closed when your fireplace is not being used.

  • Dust or vacuum the vents in your home to ensure the free flow of warm air.

  • Clean or replace the filter in your furnace at least once every 30 days during
    peak winter usage.
Seasonal Tips for Summer Comfort
Winter Tips That Will Keep You Warm
    ADB Air Conditioning~Heating~Commercial Refrigeration
    Serving All of Cape May County
    (609)886-2800
    adbair@comcast.net