Simple Steps to Ensure HVAC Efficiency
Modern HVAC systems can operate on a day-to-day basis with almost no input from you. Every so often, though, it’s a good idea to pay your system some attention so that its efficiency doesn’t suffer. Here are a few things that technicians recommend you do to keep your system at its best.
Keep Your Ducts Clean
If you’ve ever had a piece of food go down your airway, you know how difficult it can be to breathe until the obstruction is dislodged. In a similar way, your air conditioner depends on the ducts in your home to “breathe” properly.
When these ducts are clogged, the resulting restriction on airflow can cause your HVAC system to work overtime to keep air moving throughout your home. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your ducts cleaned by an experienced duct cleaning company every few years to remove any dust that has accumulated.
Keep Your Home Airtight
No matter how efficient your HVAC system is, it will always require more energy to heat and cool outside air than it will inside air. That’s why it’s important to improve your home’s energy efficiency and assist your HVAC system. Simple steps like sealing cracks and holes around windows and doors, improving the insulation in your attic and installing more practical windows can help you realize major gains in HVAC efficiency, all while maintaining a more comfortable home.
Don’t Overlook the Filter
The best thing you can do on your own to improve HVAC efficiency is to keep a close eye on your system’s air filter. The good news is that changing your air filter requires no specialized tools and only takes a few minutes of your time at the most. You should set a reminder for yourself to check your air filter once a month to see if it needs to be replaced.
When replacing your air filter, use one with a low MERV rating to improve the airflow through your system. If you have family members who are sensitive to various allergens, you can use a filter with a higher MERV rating, keeping in mind that your efficiency will take a small hit.
Keep a Maintenance Schedule
Beyond what you can do for your HVAC equipment, it’s important to have professionals perform periodic maintenance on it. Let the experts from Reed Service Company in Beaumont work their magic a couple of times a year to keep your HVAC system at optimal efficiency. Your air conditioner and furnace both require specific types of maintenance that are best conducted as their seasons of use draw near. This ensures that nothing is overlooked and that your system is ready to deliver when you need it.
During routine maintenance, technicians will inspect the system thoroughly. This will usually reveal small problems that could become large repair costs if left unattended. Internal components will be properly cleaned, electrical connections tightened and moving parts lubricated. Particular attention will be paid to safety devices. Once everything is calibrated, the system should operate at peak efficiency. This will not only reduce your utility bills but also extend the useful life of your equipment.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, you’re likely missing out on some major efficiency gains. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a schedule so that your home reaches certain temperatures at different times of day. This ensures that you’re not wasting energy to keep your residence cool or warm when you’re not there. Smart thermostats take things a step further and allow you to control your entire HVAC system remotely so that you’re always in complete command of your home’s comfort.
Consider Your Equipment
Though ongoing maintenance is a crucial component of HVAC efficiency, it’s vital to start with an energy-efficient system that is properly installed. This field has made great advances in recent years. A significantly older system can’t match the performance of a new one. At Reed Service Company, we don’t want you to pay more for gas and electricity than you need to, which is why we offer free consultations on new equipment purchases in Beaumont. We’ll examine your layout and space in order to recommend a home comfort solution that efficiently suits your requirements. Putting in upgraded equipment is a long-term investment in efficiency.
If you’d like to discuss any of these topics, call us today. The team from Reed Service Company has been serving Beaumont and delivering increased comfort to thousands of satisfied customers for over 40 years. Besides designing systems for new and older homes, we offer installation, repair and maintenance services for all types of air conditioners, furnaces and boilers. You’re never more than a phone call away from enjoying increased HVAC efficiency.