A new year is almost upon us; time to move forward from the mistakes of the past and strive to do better. One mistake many people make is neglecting their HVAC system. Here are three HVAC resolutions you can make to ensure your system gets the care and attention it needs.
Check your filter. Your HVAC filter captures contaminants and removes them from the air as it passes through the system. However, over time, those contaminants build up and the filter gets clogged. When that happens, it restricts airflow, requiring more energy to heat or cool your home properly and wearing out your system prematurely in the process. Next year, resolve to check your air filter every month, and replace it every three to six months, when it starts to look gray and opaque instead of white and translucent. This simple task will help your HVAC system run more smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Landscaping. A clogged filter isn't the only thing that can restrict airflow. Your outdoor A/C unit needs at least two square feet of clearance on all sides in order for air to flow through it properly. So make it a point to do regular landscaping around that area. Keep the grass mowed, remove any sticks or other debris, and trim back any branches from nearby trees that might encroach on the unit's personal space. Not only will your A/C function better, the area will look neater as well.
Schedule annual maintenance. One of the most important HVAC resolutions you can make is to schedule your annual maintenance visit. In fact, you need two: one in the spring to fix up your A/C ahead of cooling season and one in the fall to get your furnace ready for heating season. Your HVAC technician will give the system a thorough going-over, fixing any issues before they become problems and making sure everything runs as efficiently as possible.
For help sticking to your HVAC resolutions in the new year and anytime, contact us at Air Assurance. Our business is caring for Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.
It's traditional to make resolutions at the start of a new year, so now is the perfect time to plan some strategic changes that can help you save money and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home. Here are five HVAC resolutions that can help lower your energy bills, increase your comfort level and improve the quality of the air your family breathes all year long.
Schedule semi-annual HVAC system maintenance. Keeping your HVAC system well maintained with spring air conditioner and fall furnace tuneups not only improves energy efficiency, but also helps prevent costly breakdowns and prolongs the equipment's service life.
Inspect and change the air filter monthly. A dirty filter restricts adequate airflow through the HVAC system, which makes the equipment work harder and erodes efficiency. A clogged filter also lets debris build up inside the system, which will eventually cause breakdowns and premature component failures.
Use the thermostat wisely. Make sure you take full advantage of the potential energy savings offered by your programmable thermostat in 2016 by scheduling daily temperature setbacks. Programming in automatic eight-hour setbacks while you're sleeping or away from home can reduce your energy consumption by 1 percent for every single-degree temperature change.
Seal and insulate the ductwork. Leaky, uninsulated ducts can rob you of up to a third of your HVAC system's output and significantly increase your energy bills. Having an HVAC professional seal the air ducts not only saves you money, it prevents unhealthy contaminants from being drawn in from unfinished areas like the attic, crawl space and garage.
Boost air quality by adding a filtration unit. Replacing the HVAC air filter on a regular basis can protect your equipment, but this type of filter isn't designed to remove the microscopic pollutants that can adversely affect your family's health. To help everyone in the household breathe easier in the new year, talk to an experienced professional about installing an air purifier or air cleaner on the HVAC system.
For expert help putting New Year's HVAC resolutions into effect in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ufuk sezgen/Shutterstock”
