Keep the area around your HVAC unit clear

One of the simplest ways to ensure your home's heating and cooling system runs smoothly is to keep the surrounding area clear of debris, furniture, plants, and other impediments. Any object placed near your HVAC unit can obstruct airflow, reducing energy efficiency and requiring your HVAC system to work harder than necessary.

This holds true for both outdoor components such as air conditioning condensers and indoor components such as your furnace. Keep furniture, plants, and other objects at least 2 feet away from HVAC components indoors. Keep a two-foot radius around any HVAC components free of vegetation, sticks, and dirt.

Keeping your HVAC system clear entails more than simply removing nearby objects. You will also need to keep the system clean by removing accumulated dust and debris from ducts, supply vents, filters, supply, and return registers, and other easily accessible areas to maintain good energy efficiency and high air quality.