If you treat your HVAC system right, heating and cooling in your Martinsburg, West Virginia home should work efficiently and effectively for a long time. But if you neglect maintenance and regular inspections, you could find yourself with a system that doesn’t work properly—or even at all.

Here are five of the worst mistakes homeowners make when it comes to their HVAC systems. By paying attention and properly maintaining your unit, you can save yourself a lot frustration and unnecessary repairs.

HVAC Mistake #1: Blocking Air Return Vents

Air return vents are in place for a reason. Even if you might not like the look of them, you shouldn’t hide them or cover them up. Doing so makes it harder for your HVAC system to heat and cool your home, ultimately leading to inefficiency.

HVAC Mistake #2: Failing to Schedule Routine Maintenance

Like any other appliance, your HVAC system works better if it is taken care of. Here are some AC maintenance tasks you can do on your own without the help of a professional technician:

• Ensure the AC unit outside is unobstructed; clear any sticks, leaves, and dirt to protect the fan. You can hose it down when dirt begins to accumulate and trim back foliage at least 18 inches from the unit.
• Clean on and around the indoor and outdoor units.
• Keep supply and return registers unblocked by drapes, curtains, rugs or furniture.
• Visually inspect various components of your HVAC system—electrical connections, leaks in the condenser, blockage or algae buildup in drain line/tube.
• Test the thermostat by either raising or lowering the temperature. This will get the system to turn on and off in response to your temperature demands and will give you an idea of any potential trouble or malfunction.

HVAC Mistake #3: Not Changing Your AC’s Air Filters

Your HVAC system has an air filter that needs to be cleaned or replaced every so often. Depending on the type of unit and its amount of usage, you might need to change the filter as often as every three months or as little as once a year. Failing to change the filter will not only allow dirt and debris to build up, but will also reduce the efficiency of your overall system.

HVAC Mistake #4: Closing off Rooms or Air Vents

You’ve probably heard people say that you can save money on heating and cooling costs by closing off rooms you don’t use. That may have worked in the days of wall-mounted air conditioners and fireplace heating, but with modern central air and heat systems, it actually has the opposite effect. Closing off rooms makes your system work harder, which makes your heating and cooling costs rise.

HVAC Mistake #5: Not Having Your AC Unit Inspected

Even if you take good care of your HVAC system, it still needs professional attention. It’s a good idea to have your system inspected and serviced at least once a year, although professionals recommend having everything checked at least twice a year—once before cooling season and again before cooler winter months set in. And Shenandoah Air Conditioning & Heating makes it easy to schedule a service appointment for inspection in the Martinsburg area. We’re happy to provide our professional opinion for your piece of mind.

For more information, read about our HVAC Services in the Martinsburg, West Virginia area.

This post originally appeared on A+ Air Conditioning.