Mood:  cool

HVAC: HOME TIPS 

What can homeowners do to keep their air conditioning systems running at peak performance for many years? When it comes to HVAC, very few people are equipped with enough knowledge. There are some basic things however, that can help you save a lot of money when it comes to running your system. Here are some HVAC tips and tricks to save you energy and money.

Change your filters regularly.

Change and take care of the air filters in your unit at least once a month. This is one of the most overlooked part of maintaining HVAC systems. If the filters require cleaning, clean and do not reinsert until they are completely dry. The filters in the return vent are responsible for keeping dust and dirt from being drawn into the system, thus keeping the efficiency of the unit high. If you have 3 months filters however, you may need to replace them more often because these trap more dirt.

Cleaning.

A clean unit means clean air. As recommended by manufacturers, inspect and clean your HVAC system’s coils regularly. The coils in an indoor system act as a magnet for dust as it is constantly wetted during the cold season. There are some things that you can do yourself such as clearing leaves or other debris from the outdoor systems to inhibit bits from being drawn into the air conditioning unit.

Preventive maintenance.

Like other systems, proper maintenance is very essential for optimum operation. If the fans are dirty for instance, airflow will reduce significantly through the system. A reduction in airflow means a decrease in the system’s performance and can lead to damage of the compressor. The coils should be occasionally cleaned when they appear dirty, turn off the fan also and clean it and always remove clutter around the outdoor unit.

Keep the doors and registers open.

A well installed and balanced unit is tailored to deliver and also return cold and hot air evenly to and from all the rooms in your home. However, closing the doors and vents can disrupt the balance and lead to certain rooms being hotter or colder than others, causing discomfort and decreased efficiency as well. The air pressure will also increase in the ductwork, causing air leaks, also decreasing efficiency. As long as there is enough space under the door for god air circulation, unused rooms and doors can be closed.