The HVAC is something that needs to be maintained from time to time. An HVAC unit that runs poorly will only end up costing you money on pricey repairs. The following article has information you need to help keep your system running great.
When you are choosing a location for the outdoor compressor unit, it’s preferable to use a shaded area. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.
When you are no longer using your outdoor air conditioning unit, be sure to protect it with a tight cover. This will keep it free of debris, frost and snow so that you’ll have a working unit when the spring comes and you are ready to uncover it and use it again.
Don’t allow your home to become dangerously hot. Your average AC unit can only reduce the temperature in your home by about 20 degrees in a normal span of time. The temperature will only reduce to about 80 if your home heats up to 100 degrees. Depending on how humid it is, this isn’t really that safe for a person to sleep in when it’s really hot.
Use plants to increase your air conditioner’s effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.
Make sure things don’t get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.
If your system isn’t working as it should, test its ducts for leaks. The local utility company may be able to do this for you at a cost lower than what a contractor would charge you. Having these repaired is worth the cost of testing if you had to hire a contractor to do the job.
Do not close your vents. Keep air vents open and unblocked at all times. Many people believe that closing off a vent will save them money on cooling costs. This is not true. It can actually damage your HVAC system. Closing vents can cause your cooling coil to freeze and damage the compressor.
To block out the sun on hot summer days, allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently, invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today, looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.
Do you better understand the job of your HVAC system now? Do you understand simple maintenance techniques and how to keep your system operating year-round? You don’t want a HVAC system that costs you more money. As a homeowner, proper HVAC system maintenance should help you save money.
