Your HVAC system in your home is a great place to start if you are looking for ways to get a better handle on your finances. HVAC systems account for more than half of all domestic energy use and can cost thousands of dollars to replace.
So, maintaining your HVAC system in good working order is a great way to reduce your regular electricity bills, and avoid incurring hefty repair or replacement fees. Read on to find out what you can do to keep your HVAC system in the best shape and enjoy the comfortable temperatures in your home every day throughout the year
Have an annual maintenance checkup
You’d be shocked at how much your air conditioning costs could be reduced with annual maintenance checkups. Remember the last time your HVAC system received maintenance? You may be considerably more likely to experience issues when it’s been more than a year. Do you really want to have to stay inside your house without air conditioning, especially during the hot summer season?
Regular HVAC maintenance can help extend the life of your air conditioner if you want to keep it in good condition. So, make sure to find professional local HVAC services. For example, if you live in Ottawa, Canada look for the best air conditioner installation Ottawa has to offer. These professionals can help you with anything from checkups and simple repairs to full installations of completely new systems.
Replace the air filter
With time, the air filter clogs, which can cause problems in particular when it is windy and dusty outside. You should clean out the air filter because it will be clogged with dirt, trash, and other debris. A daily accumulation of these pollutants can make your HVAC system work harder, which will increase your energy costs significantly, as well as increase the likelihood that it will malfunction.
The debris that the HVAC system must handle is reduced when the air filter is routinely changed or cleaned. You should, as a general rule, clean your home’s heating and cooling system every couple of weeks. It should be cleaned even more frequently if you reside in an area that is very dusty.
Air vents should remain open
Contrary to popular belief, blocking the air vents won’t result in a reduction in your energy bill. Given how much the pressure load is increased, it might be among the worst things you could do to your heating and cooling system. Closing the vents prevents cool air from entering and significantly reduces the unit’s performance.
The main issue with shutting the air vents is that it doesn’t necessarily mean less air is being sent into the house. The issue is that running your air conditioner still consumes the same amount of electricity. Additionally, the cooling fan is still operating. The ducting and air conditioner are both harmed by this. As this occurs, air leaks start to build along with it. The more vents you cover, the more pressure you apply to the system and the greater the likelihood of these leaks appearing.
Protect the house from drafts
The average homeowner considers reducing air entrance during the winter months but forgets all about it in the summer. Any air leak in your house will prevent your HVAC system from working to its maximum capacity since the heat and cool you get from it will be lost. Before turning it on, you should shut the doors and windows and check that the house has a good weather seal for the best benefits.
You may stop the cold air from leaking out through the openings, doors, and windows in particular by installing weather strips on them. To prevent cooling and heating from escaping, you might also wish to invest in newer, more energy-efficient windows. By keeping everything shut and sealed, you’ll be sure to never allow the cool air to escape your home, or for the outside air to find a place in the comfort of your home.
Final thoughts
Your home’s HVAC system is one of its most important components. In addition to making your home uncomfortable, a furnace or air conditioner issue could be dangerous to your health. By performing basic maintenance on your HVAC system and arranging regular checkups with a qualified professional, you may prevent many common HVAC problems. Treat AC issues as quickly as you can because the majority of them may be resolved with just a little time and some tools.
