Home HVAC Systems: Heating and Cooling Operating Tips Videos

Need to know more about home HVAC systems? Watch our video playlist for the best heating and cooling tips on operating and maintaining your air conditioning, furnace and other HVAC systems.

Do you consider yourself an HVAC pro? Or do you only think about your heating and cooling system if it breaks down? Regardless of which faction you fall into, one thing is for sure: There’s a lot that goes into maintaining your HVAC system.

From remembering how (and when!) to change your filter to scheduling routine maintenance checkups in the spring and fall, keeping your system running smoothly throughout the hot and cold months can seem overwhelming.

If your head spins just thinking about the complex system, don’t worry. We’ve compiled our most helpful HVAC videos all in one place so you can gain a better understanding of your heating and cooling system once and for all. Whether you’re interested in knowing more about the Sears HVAC Savings Program or need to learn how to choose the right air filters for your home, we’ve got you covered.

Sears HVAC Savings Program

Did you know Sears Home Services has an HVAC Savings Program? It’s free to join and savings are automatic. Not to be dramatic, but it may be the best thing to happen to your budget since … well, ever!

To get started, schedule your next HVAC maintenance or repair with Sears Home Services. You’ll begin earning dollar-for-dollar credits immediately. Use them toward a new HVAC system someday — up to 10% off the purchase price. Say hello to savings!

3 HVAC Myths — BUSTED!

When it comes to maintaining your HVAC system, there’s a lot of information (and misinformation) out there. This can make discerning fact from fiction tough, especially with so many varying opinions and sources. Here, we bust three of the biggest myths about HVAC systems. Watch the video to learn the truth.

Myth #1: You only have to change the air filter once a year.

Myth #2: The bigger the system, the better.

Myth #3: An energy-efficient unit means instant savings.

3 Tips to Maintain Your HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system should never let you down. To make sure it does its job right, you’ll need to give it a dose of TLC every now and again. Follow these three tips to help extend the life of your heating and cooling system.

Tip #1: Clear out debris.

Tip #2: Replace the filter every few months.

Tip #3: Check that your furnace flame is a crisp blue.

Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter

Make sure your furnace is ready to heat your home when the cold weather sets in. We’ll show you the value of a preventive maintenance check with Sears Home Services.

During the maintenance check, your technician will thoroughly inspect your system. Here’s what your Sears Home Services expert will cover:

1. Checking the thermostat

2. Ensuring adequate airflow around the furnace

3. Inspecting the wiring

4. Checking the burners and flame

5. Using a multimeter to measure amp draws in the inducer motor and blower motor

6. Changing dirty filters

7. Testing carbon monoxide levels

8.Lubricating the motor if necessary

9. Carefully cleaning the unit with a vacuum cleaner

Get Your AC Ready for Summer

As soon as spring is in the air, you’ll want to schedule a preventive maintenance check with Sears Home Services to ensure your air conditioner will keep you cool during the hot summer months.

During the maintenance check, your technician will thoroughly inspect your system, including the following:

1. Checking the thermostat

2. Ensuring adequate airflow around the air conditioning unit

3. Inspecting the wiring

4. Making sure the capacitor isn’t swollen

5. Checking the refrigeration pressure

6. Inspecting the compressor and fan

7. Lubricating the motor if necessary

8. Changing any dirty filters

9. Inspecting the inside unit and filters

10. Carefully cleaning the unit

How to Change Your Air Filter

When’s the last time you changed your air filter? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time. Thankfully, doing so is simple. Just follow these three steps every one to three months.

1. Remove your old filter.

2. Check the size.

3. Insert new filter, making sure the arrow is pointing toward the furnace.

How to Choose the Right Air Filter for Your Home

Did you know that poor indoor air quality can be just as bad for your health as outdoor pollution? To improve your home’s air quality, you’ll need good ventilation, both into and out of the house. The easiest way to do this is to understand what types of HVAC filters you should be using. First, you must understand MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings, which range from 1 (least efficient) to 16 (extremely efficient). Here’s what each MERV rating does:

MERV 1-4

Filters pollen and dust mites

MERV 5-8

Filters mold and aerosols

MERV 9-12

Filters lead dust and bacteria

MERV 13-16

Filters all bacteria and tobacco smoke