Expert advice to help make your system run better.

Let a Betlem Residential's professionals help you enjoy longer system life and greater comfort.

As we all know, a heating and cooling system is a substantial investment for any homeowner to make. So how can you make sure you get the most comfort out of your system for the longest time?  Ask our experts.

Below is some good advice for homeowners looking to maximize their comfort and the longevity of their heating and cooling equipment.

Get Professional Help

First and foremost, getting your system inspected by a Betlem Residential's NATE trained HVAC professionals before peak heating or cooling season.   Letting us give your system the once-over every spring and fall can do more for longevity and performance than nearly anything else.

Spring and fall are the best times because you want our pros checking your system out before you really need it.

A fall inspection is especially important for customers in the northern United States, because the increased cold of winter places a particularly strenuous demand on HVAC equipment.

A system that’s not in good working order will have to work a lot harder to cool your home.  That wastes a lot of energy.  It also puts a lot of stress on the components, which can reduce system life.

What Betlem Residential will do

During a professional inspection, there are several things  Betlem Residential will do.

• Check the filter status. Dirty filters make the system work harder because it’s pulling air through greater resistance.  Dirty filters also affect the quality of the air in your home.
• Check refrigerant charge. A system with too little refrigerant will have to run longer, wasting energy and creating extra system stress.  A system with too much refrigerant won’t cool very efficiently, and will also suffer damage as it runs.
• Check electrical connections. Over time, screws and connectors can come loose, which can create arcing and sparks that could damage electrical components like control boards, compressors and blower motors.
• Clean coils. The outdoor coil can gather dust and dirt, harming efficiency.  The indoor coil can likewise become jammed with household dust, which increases energy use and can even cause the coil to freeze over.

Regular maintenance will prolong your system life. This becomes important as your system nears the end of its life.

The average system life is around 11 years, but 15 to 17 years is not unheard of.  

What you can do yourself

The most important thing a homeowner can do to preserve system life is a regular check of the filter.  Every home is different, but typically, you’re looking at getting 1 to 3 months out of your filter.  Any longer than that, and your system is going to have to work against the bottleneck of a clogged filter.

Installing a programmable thermostat can extend system life and reduce energy use.  “A programmable thermostat lets your system run at peak performance when you’re home, but then it ramps down system use when the house is empty.

Although thermostats vary, the simplicity and intuitive scheduling found in most modern programmable thermostats makes them easy to set up and operate.  Of course, your dealer can always help guide you if needed.

Prepare your HVAC for winter with preventive maintenance

While the changing season provides a great opportunity for homeowners to save on HVAC costs by opening windows and temporarily powering down units, it will soon be time to turn on the heat.

Will your system be ready to handle this year’s chill?

Regular preventive maintenance, performed twice a year, can help your system keep up with seasonal temperature swings. Plus, it can increase HVAC performance and help you avoid costly emergency repairs—because no one wants to be left without heat in the middle of a snowstorm. While most newer heating systems require little maintenance, a quick tune-up can greatly extend the life of your HVAC equipment, ensuring it always runs at peak efficiency.

As always, major furnace maintenance should be handled by Betlem Residential's licensed HVAC technicians. But there are some steps you can take on your own that can result in a more comfortable winter:

Power down

Turn off all power to the unit before performing any maintenance; wait for the blower to stop.

Replace filters

Replace air filters at least once every three months. Dirty filters can cause your system to work harder, resulting in lower efficiency.

Run a sound check

Turn your unit on, and check for unusual sounds, like banging or rattling.

Look for signs of moisture

Check for moisture on windows, or rust or dirt accumulations on the vent pipe. This can indicate improper operation.

Assess the room temperature

Check your thermostat’s temperature while the unit is on to ensure rooms are reaching their full comfort potential.

If, during your basic checklist rundown you discover any unusual noises, excess moisture or other signs your unit is not functioning properly, contact Betlem Residential's certified HVAC technicians. Our technicians will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures in addition to regular pre-season maintenance. This will ensure that all parts are cleaned, drained and lubricated, and all assembly and burner controls are working correctly. A thorough inspection will also verify that the heat exchanger is doing its job and the flue system is free of cracks and corrosion.

Once maintenance is complete and your system is running at peak capacity, you can relax in the comfort of knowing your system will provide ample and consistent heat throughout the season.