For homeowners, having an efficient home can save a lot of money. Aside from providing safety and comfort to your family, properly run household equipment can also positively impact your monthly utility bill. A prime example is your home’s HVAC system. Not only does your air conditioner control the temperature and air quality, but it also largely factors into your monthly home budget.
If you’re looking to increase your HVAC’s overall efficiency for both safety and financial savings, the good news is that there are numerous ways to keep the units running smoothly. With a little diligence and creativity, you can help both your AC unit and furnace last longer and keep your indoor air quality at peak condition. Here, we will look at just three ways to make your household’s heating and cooling operations more efficient.
1. Air Filters and Indoor Air Quality
The best place to start is with the unit’s air filters. Almost all HVAC systems use traditional ductwork and ventilation. In essence, the ducts and vents are shared by both your air conditioner and heater, so the air filters get used year-round. Over time, debris trapped within the filters’ mesh can clog, allowing pollen, mold, and pet dander into the home’s air supply. If any family members suffer from allergies, indoor air quality can be a serious issue. It’s highly recommended that a good air purifier, such as the Amazon HEPA air filter, is used for keeping your air quality level high. However, changing your HVAC’s air filters every few months can also make a huge difference in purifying your household’s oxygen.
When it comes to your own monthly savings, remaining diligent with the air system’s filters also has a practical benefit. When your air filters are clogged, both the AC unit and furnace suffer from low airflow. The clogged filter forces you to run your units at higher settings, using more power. This not only increases your utility bills, but it can also put unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment.
2. Tune-Ups and Maintenance
When it comes to ductwork, there are some tasks that should only be performed by a professional technician. Although clean filters can do a thorough job of removing most allergens from your home’s air, only having clean ducts and vents will guarantee that the purest air circulates throughout your house. If you still see indications that you have an inefficient AC, it may be time to call in a professional technician to inspect the equipment. An expert can properly clean your vents and ducts, as well as check for leaks. The best way to truly maintain peak efficiency with your HVAC is to schedule regular maintenance with a professional technician a few times a year.
3. Avoiding Basic Wear and Tear
Cleaning your air system can definitely prolong its lifespan. Over time, however, basic wear and tear are bound to happen. If you have an inefficient HVAC system, it can mean that repairs or replacement parts are needed. Before making that determination, be sure to consider routine maintenance with a professional HVAC technician. In fact, a maintenance agreement or policy may be a wise purchase. Not only will this guarantee a professional HVAC tech is always on-call, but your filter change and equipment cleaning will always be conducted on time.
A final step in avoiding HVAC wear and tear is upgrading your home’s thermostat. Although the thermostat is only responsible for controlling the temperatures that the AC unit produces, keeping a strict eye on its settings can decrease energy consumption. A modern programmable thermostat may be a wise investment for your home, as you can adjust your temperature settings to a safe level that never strains the equipment or pushes your energy bills too high.
