One of the best ways to improve your system’s performance is to frequently clean or replace air filters. Other ways include purchasing a programmable thermostat, keeping curtains drawn or installing shades in rooms that are more exposed to sunlight, and not blocking airflow by closing vents in multiple rooms.

Simply resetting the thermostat when you are asleep or away from home can save money on heating and cooling bills. By adjusting the thermostat four-to-six degrees either up (in the summer) or down (in the winter) reduces the total run time of the heating and air system, leading to a reduction on the energy bill. A programmable thermostat can aid in money-saving measures by allowing you to set the temperature on a daily and seasonal basis.

In order for your HVAC system to operate at its best, filters should be changed once they start to look discolored. If the filter looks dirty, it is dirty. Filters should be changed on a monthly basis when the system is in high use, such as during winter and summer months, and every other month during lower-use times in the spring and fall. If you want a smarter way to determine when it needs replacing, install an air filter gauge.

Your system is designed to take a specific size of filter, so that is always a good place to start. Consider each filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). A higher-grade filter typically is best for homes with asthma or allergy sufferers. Pleated air filters are great for reducing allergens, but they cannot be left in the unit for too long or they become clogged.

Maintain air flow by keeping dust, dirt, and debris away from any system. Keep air filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. Ideally, a system should be serviced twice a year — once before the summer cooling season and once before the winter heating season.

Size is everything when it comes to your HVAC system. An energy auditor can do a “Manual J” calculation on your home. This calculation surveys your entire home and includes how much insulation there is, how old your system is, and what kind of windows your home consists of and which direction they are facing. This calculation will tell you exactly what size system your house needs.

An important HVAC safety measure is to make sure your home consists of working fire and carbon monoxide detectors. These can provide peace of mind in knowing that your HVAC system is not a hazard.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio – it measures HVAC system efficiency, which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy output during the same time frame. The higher the SEER rating, the greater the energy efficiency of the system. The downside to a higher-SEER system is that it could potentially cost a homeowner thousands of dollars more to purchase and might take upwards of 10 years to recoup those costs. Be sure to ask your HVAC professional for advice on the best system for your budget and home.

Indoor air quality is a major concern, as many studies show that air pollution is much worse indoors than outdoors. You can improve your indoor air quality with frequent dusting and vacuuming, and you can also have a qualified technician install devices such as UV light units, special air filters, and electronic air cleaners to improve indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to many illnesses, so improving your home’s air quality is an investment worth making.

There are a lot of reasons why your air conditioning system might freeze up, and all of them require help from a professional technician to resolve, as only they have the training and correct tools to fix the problem.

Popping noises are usually indicative of ducts that are too small to manage the airflow your system is generating. Qualified air conditioner repair specialists can evaluate your ductwork and make necessary adjustments.

Zoning systems separate your air conditioning system’s ductwork into different segments, allowing you to exercise temperature control in each segment, thus allowing for more targeted and efficient air conditioning.

For example, you may have a room with many windows that gets hot in the summer and which may need more air to cool down, while you may also have a rarely occupied guest room on the other end of the house. With a zoned air conditioning system, you can direct more cold air to the many-windowed room and less air to the unoccupied room. This allows more efficient use of your AC system and a more comfortable home.