How to Enhance HVAC System Efficiency
Like your neighbors in the Greenville area, you are looking forward to the relief from the heat and humidity of summer. More favorable temperatures mean you might not be relying on your system much in the coming weeks. However, as we transition over to the cooler months, with fluctuating temperatures, you want to ensure your HVAC system performs as needed and is ready for whatever winter may bring.
Replace Air Filters
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your air conditioner in good working order is to replace your air filter regularly. During periods that require significant use of your system, however, you will likely need to replace or clean your filter more frequently for the best performance from your HVAC system. Neglecting to clean or replace your air filter can cause it to fill with debris and allergens, which reduces your indoor air quality, and leads to inefficient HVAC operation.
Improve Insulation
If your home isn’t properly insulated, it will be harder to achieve comfortable indoor temperatures, and result in more strain on your system. Gain or loss of air typically occurs in areas such as basements, attics, ducts, and around windows and doors. Adding or improving insulation and weatherstripping or caulking windows and doors will help to seal air leaks. In doing so, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard in order to maintain a comfortable temperature. Such improvements lead to higher efficiency, less wear and tear, and a longer life for your HVAC system.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to keep your home comfortable while getting a better handle on your energy consumption. Programmable thermostats from Bryant, offer a range of features that allow you to set temperatures throughout the day or week according to your schedule. Some advanced models also let you manage humidity levels in your home, and smart thermostats feature Wi-Fi connections so you can adjust on the go. Thermostats today are designed with many features to increase comfort and efficiency.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an effective way to enhance HVAC system performance. They help with air circulation to increase comfort. Using your fan to help to circulate the conditioned air, allows you to increase thermostat settings during summer and reduce them during the colder months. Using fans in conjunction with your heating and cooling system will enable you to reduce reliance on the system so you can save energy. For this to work, the blades of your ceiling fan have to be set to spin in a counter-clockwise direction in the warmer months, and reverse for a clockwise rotation in the cooler months. Ceiling fans are also very effective during those periods between seasons when you don’t have to use your HVAC system.
Keep Landscaping Neat and Clean
When a part of your air conditioner is hidden away outside, it can be easy to forget about upkeep for that part of the unit. Although you should call an air conditioner technician for any maintenance on the unit itself, you should be vigilant about maintaining the area around that outdoor unit.
If trees, bushes, or flowers grow close to the exterior unit, be sure to trim landscaping back regularly to give the air conditioner at least two feet of breathing room on the sides, and five feet above. When mowing the lawn near the unit, take care so that grass clippings are kept away from the unit. Be sure to contact your HVAC technician if you notice any stones, branches, leaves or any other obstructions within the unit.
Take Advantage of Preventive Maintenance
Apart from regularly changing your filter, there are other ways, such as proper thermostat use, in which you can help to ensure your system performs efficiently. However, you should always seek professional help for advanced maintenance issues. By signing up for a preventive maintenance plan you can rest assured that an experienced tech will take care of tasks such as checking the refrigerant levels, cleaning the condenser coils, and identifying and remedying potential problems. A preventive maintenance plan ensures that you stay ahead of developing problems and increase the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system.
J&J Mechanical, Inc. has been providing service to eastern North Carolina residents since 1988. Give us a call at (855) 800-1341 for more information about ways to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. An efficient system saves energy, reduces your utility bill, and helps to increase your comfort. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our affordable and effective home comfort solutions.
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