The HVAC system in your home is an important piece of equipment that keeps indoor temperatures comfortable. It also provides a clean environment and helps lower your energy bills. An HVAC system is typically covered under a home warranty package. Home insurance does not protect those systems. Understanding the difference between home warranty and home insurance will provide you with knowledge on what packages and policies to buy.
Maintaining your HVAC system can extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs in the future. Some simple tips on having a good working HVAC system include: keeping the area around the unit clear, installing a smart thermostat, insulating your windows and doors, and avoiding extreme temperature changes.
Keep The Area Around The Unit Clear
A well-maintained HVAC system will run smoothly and save you a lot of money on your energy bills. It’s always a good idea to schedule routine examinations and correct minor issues before they turn into major problems that require costly repair.
For example, one common issue is when the AC unit’s drain line gets clogged by mold and algae. This causes the system to work harder in order to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills. This can be easily fixed by simply detaching the drain line and cleaning it with bleach.
You should also clean your ducts regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged with dust, pollen, pet dander, and other debris. This will ensure that airflow is unobstructed and will help improve your indoor air quality.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Most smart thermostats allow homeowners to change their heating or cooling on a schedule that accounts for when they leave and return, the current weather, and even how many people are in the house. This prevents the need to continuously adjust the temperature which can lead to a spike in energy bills and premature wear and tear on your HVAC system.
If you are thinking about upgrading to a smart thermostat, make sure that the model offers a mobile app with the right features for your home and family. Some models also offer weekly and monthly energy reports and real-time tracking to help you reduce your energy consumption. Another feature to look for is geofencing, which allows the device to sense when you are out of the house and automatically turn off the HVAC or set it to an ‘away’ mode.
Insulate Your Windows and Doors
Having properly insulated windows is a critical factor in having a good working HVAC system. Drafty windows allow conditioned air to escape, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder than it should, leading to higher energy bills. Uninsulated windows also let moisture escape, causing your home’s humidity to be too low, which can lead to dry skin and wood damage.
Adding insulation around doors and windows is a quick and inexpensive solution for keeping conditioned air inside your house, as well as preventing outdoor pollutants from entering. Installing a variety of different types of weather strips and insulating foams around your windows can help seal them, which helps create a more
comfortable living environment and lower energy costs. It can also help improve indoor air quality and prevent odors from permeating your home.
Keep Windows Closed
Keeping windows closed on hot days prevents your HVAC from working harder than it needs to. This practice, along with regularly checking and cleaning your air filters, is one of the easiest ways to help your system perform its best.
If you have pets or smoke, then changing your filter at least once a month is recommended to avoid build-up and clogs. This allows your system to work more efficiently and reduces energy costs.
In addition, sealing any leaks in your home is another way to improve your HVAC’s efficiency. Leaks allow conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to enter your home, which makes your HVAC work harder. It is a simple step that can make a huge difference in your system’s performance and extends its life.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
Keeping the air cool helps deter mildew and mold growth, which not only looks unattractive but can be harmful to people with preconditions such as asthma. Maintaining a stable temperature also ensures healthy humidity levels which prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses and other infectious organisms.
HVAC systems operate best within a particular range of temperatures, and extreme weather conditions can cause them to overwork or reduce their efficiency. Regular maintenance, proper insulation, energy-efficient upgrades and zoning systems help protect HVAC efficiency during harsh weather.
A good working HVAC system can make it much easier for you and your family to have a relaxing, comfortable home all year round. Moreover, it can improve your overall indoor air quality by removing allergens and enhancing circulation.
