Time to clean and inspect your home's furnace and air conditioning systems

A good way to bring in the New Year is by doing all you can to keep your heating ventilation and air conditioning system running to the best of its potential. There are benefits to keeping a well-maintained system. It has the ability to lower utility costs, increase service life (reducing replacement costs), as well as greater comfort for occupants.

Maintaining systems also yields a longer troublefree service for any system, including duct repair and replacement.

Aladdin Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. offers these tips to maximize a heating/cooling system. +Select the best filter capacity. The higher the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, the more efficient the filter. A MERV rating of 11 or above is generally recommended. Filter type can also make a difference in indoor air quality, as pleated filters made of cotton/synthetic fabrics can boost efficiency and increase the effective area. +Replace filters every one to six months. +Inspect evaporator and condenser coils once or twice a year. +Treat coils after every cleaning.+Inspect the area around air intake twice annually. +Fix leaks in cabinet and supply duct annually. +Clean and adjust dampers annually. +Inspect fan, bearings and belts twice annually. +Clean air ducts and inspect every two years. +Check for disconnected or crushed ductwork. Disconnected ducts can result in heated/cooled air being distributed outside or in areas of the house where it is not needed, and crushed ducts restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency. +Have the system inspected by an expert for proper functioning prior to the season of use. Air conditioning should be inspected in the spring, and furnace should be checked in the fall. +Remember to also clean the standard air filters once a month. When replacing filters, be sure to install a replacement that is the same size as the original. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and significantly increase energy use. It's also important to make sure to clear away weeds and debris around outside air conditioning or heat pump units, as air should circulate freely around the unit.

To find out more about maintenance solutions, call a customer service representative at Aladdin Air Conditioning and Heating Inc., headquartered in Newbury Park, at (805) 480-0327, or visit www.aladdinac.com.

Aladdin Air Conditioning is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer that provides a broad range of high efficiency products and solutions to the residential homeowner.

Aladdin has technicians factory-trained in servicing most major brands.