The HVAC system of your home is essential to your comfort and relaxation. The ductwork, thermostat, and equipment all work together to keep your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. While it can be easy to forget the important work this system does on a daily basis, it is vital to care for all the elements properly to prevent malfunctions and costly repairs. Here are some easy ways to care for your furnace, air conditioning unit, and ventilation system so you can rely on it to continue making your home comfortable for years to come.
Use Your Thermostat Wisely
A programmable thermostat can help prevent your furnace or AC unit from working too hard. Running your system on full blast when you aren’t even home isn’t energy efficient and it drives up your utility bills. With a programmable thermostat, you can set up a schedule so your home is a comfortable temperature when you are there but doesn’t waste resources when you are at work. Some smart house systems even allow you to control the thermostat remotely through a website or app.
Reduce the Overall Load
You can keep your HVAC system from overworking by using other means to help control the temperature in your home. Window coverings can help control the amount of sunlight and heat that pass through the window, making it easier to keep rooms warm or cool. You can also install ceiling fans to help air circulate. Changing your sheets and linens with the seasons can also help you sleep at a comfortable temperature without requiring your HVAC system to do all the work.
Keep Your Vents Clean
Dirty air ducts make it harder for warm or cool air to circulate throughout your house and can significantly increase the load on your furnace and AC unit. Vacuuming often and changing out the air filters on a regular basis can help keep your ducts clean. You can also hire professionals to inspect and clean your ventilation system for more efficient operation. Clean ductwork also improves the air quality in your home and can reduce allergens.
Don’t Forget Preventive Maintenance
The best way to prevent an expensive problem with your equipment is to have it serviced regularly. Annual tune-up services for your AC and furnace can help prevent significant malfunctions that require emergency repairs or replacements. During a tune-up service, a professional technician can inspect your system for problems and repair them. He or she can also check all the control parameters and modify them as necessary to ensure the efficient and safe operation.
Consider an Upgrade
While proper ac care can help keep your system operating in top shape for a long time, eventually it will be time to replace some or all of the equipment. If you are noticing an increase in your utility bills or your system is over 10 years old, it may be time to think about upgrading to new equipment. Modern AC units are far more energy-efficient than older models, which can reduce your utility costs significantly. Upgrading to a new unit can also prevent an unforeseen failure of your system that requires expensive emergency repair or replacement services.
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is fairly easy with an HVAC system that is functioning well. There are several easy steps you can take to ensure your equipment will continue to operate correctly during every season of the year. Scheduling preventive maintenance tune-up services helps ensure that minor problems don’t before major issues or failures. You can also use window coverings and a programmable thermostat to control the load on your system. If your equipment is old or needs frequent repairs, you can think about upgrading to a new energy-efficient model.
