# Top 5 HVAC Resolutions for the New Year - Link: https://alpscomfortair.com/top-5-hvac-resolutions-for-the-new-year/ - Published: 2025-01-02T19:03:46+00:00 - Author: alpscomfortEditor The new year is a great time to improve how you experience life, including enhancing your HVAC usage and experience. Consider these seven simple resolutions for your HVAC system that can help you save money, extend your HVAC system’s lifespan and reduce your unexpected HVAC repairs. ## 1. Change Your Air Filters on Schedule Air filters are easy to forget about, but they have an incredible impact on your home and your HVAC system. Neglecting your filter increases your heating and cooling costs while also straining your system, leading to preventable repairs. Set a reminder on your calendar to check your air filter monthly and don’t ignore the reminder. You may not have to change it every month, but checking it regularly ensures that you don’t forget about it. Smaller 1- and 2-inch filters may need replacing every 30 to 90 days. Larger filters may last several months up to a year, depending on the size and your air quality. Be sure to replace your filter with the proper size and one that won’t restrict airflow into your system. ## 2. Schedule Spring and Fall HVAC Maintenance Maintenance is so important that many HVAC manufacturers include it as a term for their factory warranty. Keeping your system maintained includes deep cleaning, tightening loose mounting hardware and electrical connections, tuning performance and extensive testing. The goal is to prevent many problems and uncover minor issues before they can evolve into larger ones. Ideally, plan for maintenance for your air conditioner every spring and for your heating system every fall. ## 3. Resolve Minor Problems If you notice small problems, it’s easy to think you can ignore them for a short time because you’re still mostly comfortable. Likewise, it’s tempting to dismiss minor problems uncovered during maintenance as mere inconveniences. However, mechanical systems depend on every component working within specified parameters. When they’re operating outside of those parameters, it strains the entire system, accelerating the wear on other parts of the system. To prevent this, resolve minor problems quickly. ## 4. Start Using Thermostat Programs Thermostat programs allow you to automatically adjust your home’s temperature throughout the day, easing the strain on your HVAC system when you’re not home. According to the Department of Energy, you can shave up to 10% off your annual heating and cooling costs with a standard-efficiency system by using programs. ## 5. Install Zoning The standard setup for residential HVAC is a single zone, meaning that when the HVAC system runs, it’s attempting to heat or cool the entire home. The problem with this approach is that the entire home may not need conditioning all the time, so this wastes energy and often leaves some areas of your home uncomfortable. HVAC zoning splits your home into smaller sections, allowing the system to condition smaller areas that need it most during a cycle. Central HVAC zoning uses dampers in the ducts to direct the flow of conditioned air. Ductless zoning happens naturally, with each ductless air handler serving a different area of your home. ## 6. Improve Indoor Air Quality Indoor air quality affects how well your HVAC system runs, how much cleaning you have to do and can have impacts on your physical and mental health. Improving your indoor air quality starts with looking at the contaminants you’re bringing into your home, like air fresheners, incense or candles and other contaminants like aerosolized cleaners. Next, consider how you can improve your air quality, which starts with your air filter but may include added air quality devices like air scrubbers or purifiers. ## 7. Upgrade the Outdated System Outdated HVAC systems can become dangerous to run, consume more energy and need more repairs. Older air conditioners and heat pumps have an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Furnaces may last 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. If your system is nearing these ages, start planning a replacement so that you don’t get stuck having to try to replace it mid-season. This is the most expensive way to replace an HVAC system and often leaves you with fewer options for what will best serve your home. In 1979, Anaheim said hello for the first time to what has become a staple among home service providers. The Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. team provides award-winning heating and [air conditioning](https://alpscomfortair.com/ac-company-anaheim-ca/) maintenance, repair and installation, [attic insulation installation](https://alpscomfortair.com/attic-insulation/), HVAC zoning, water heater installation and repair and indoor air quality solutions. Call to schedule a repair or maintenance visit with one of our NATE-certified technicians.