Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems make modern living spaces comfortable all year. However, they can’t continue to operate optimally without some attention from their owners. This article discusses HVAC care tips for your HVAC units to keep them running more efficiently so that you save money on your energy bills and extend the life of the system.

Furnace Maintenance

The best time for your recommended annual furnace tune-up is right before the cold weather starts. If you have it serviced before all the leaves fall, be sure to check that your air intake vent is intact and not covered by leaves, twigs or other debris before you turn on the furnace. A furnace tune-up checklist includes the following activities:

• Checking air filter and cleaning or replacing
• Cleaning the blower
• Lubricating all the moving parts
• Inspecting and replacing electrical wires
• Checking the heat exchanger
• Testing the exhaust system
• Inspecting and replacing worn belts
• Checking the burner and flame sensor in the combustion chamber
• Inspecting vents
• Examining fuel lines
• Checking gas pressure
• Checking the thermostat

A tune-up cannot only prevent a breakdown, but it may save your life. Incomplete fuel combustion releases carbon monoxide and other noxious gases. These can be life-threatening if not handled properly. That’s why HVAC care tips and a technician are required to carefully inspect the vents, exhaust system, combustion chamber and heat exchanger.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

AC maintenance is crucial to keep the appliance running efficiently and smoothly during the hot summer days. Unlike the winter, when you can always add a sweater or a blanket to keep you warm if the heat’s not working, there’s a limit to how many clothes you can remove to keep cool. Once you reach your birthday suit, that’s as far as you can go.

Spring is a great time to have a technician perform an annual maintenance check of your air-conditioning system. Unlike your furnace, your AC contains an outside condenser unit as well as an inside evaporator coil, and there are fans in both the outside and inside units. Some of the things a technician will do during the maintenance appointment include the following:

• Removes debris from around the condenser
• Cleans or replaces filters
• Cleans coils
• Checks belts
• Checks fans
• Cleans and drains condenser lines and pan
• Checks refrigerant line and level
• Lubricates bearings and moving parts
• Checks electrical connections
• Checks thermostat and humidity levels

Because of exposure to the elements, the outside component is particularly susceptible to damage. Take care that the lawnmower doesn’t blow debris toward the unit and that the unit operates smoothly. Loose ball bearings or damaged fan blades may cause a whining or whirring noise. If you notice any persistent unusual sounds, turn off the system, and call a heating and cooling professional to inspect the unit.

Ductwork Maintenance

Annual HVAC maintenance checkups usually don’t automatically include ductwork inspection and repair. Unless your heater and AC HVAC system is a ductless heat pump, your heated and cooled air travel through ducts before reaching individual room vents. Unfortunately, those ducts may contain air contaminants that pass through the air filter or unsealed exterior openings. Unsealed spaces may also allow critters to enter your house and nest in the ducts. In addition, if the humidity level is sufficiently high, dangerous mold and mildew might flourish within the ducts, contaminating the air. Experts recommend that professionals clean and inspect ductwork every three years.

Benefits of Annual Maintenance

Annual HVAC maintenance isn’t free, but it’s certainly worth the money. Here are some of the reasons why.

Save Money

HVAC repair expenses for labor and parts can be quite costly if a major component needs replacement. In some cases, replacing a part is not even an option. Preemptively fixing a small problem before it escalates into something larger may keep you from having to purchase and install a new system.

Maintain Warranty

A warranty pays for repair costs to covered components. A manufacturer’s warranty usually requires proof of annual maintenance tune-ups. Do-it-yourself repairs may also void the warranty.

Prevent Inconvenient Breakdowns

You depend on your HVAC system to regulate your indoor air temperature, and nobody wants to sit in a cold or stifling hot house, especially if there’s a big event planned that day. If the system breakdowns during bad weather, it may take a day or more before a repair technician can come to your home. Regularly scheduling maintenance visits reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.

Extends Life Span

Changing air filters, cleaning all the components and lubricating moving parts reduces the wear and tear on your system. When it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature settings, it will last longer.

Maintenance Plans

Compare the cost of an annual maintenance visit with and without a maintenance plan. If your system is still under warranty, that will help you decide if it’s worth it. Some companies offer tiered plans with different price points, depending on the coverage. If your system is old and no longer under warranty, definitely explore the possibility of purchasing a maintenance plan. It’s only reasonable to expect repairs to increase as the system ages, no matter how well-maintained it is.

Efficiency Improvements

In addition to an annual maintenance visit, there are other ways to decrease the load on your system and increase its efficiency. Here are a few of these approaches.

Weather Stripping

Sealing gaps around windows and doors is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to regulate room temperature. Block out cold and hot air, and your system will thank you.

Insulation

Hot air rises, and if there’s nothing standing in its way, it’ll escape through the roof vents. Applying a thick layer of insulation on the attic floor keeps the warm air in the living space. You can also insulate exterior walls against the elements by drilling a hole and spraying foam into the cavity. It’s best to leave this type of improvement to a professional installation team. Any steps you take in this direction will lower your utility bill and reduce the stress on your heating and cooling system.

Programmable Smart Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is your system’s best friend. It wants to live a long life, and this device contributes to that goal. You can program different schedules so that the system isn’t running full speed while you are at work because you forgot to change the setting. The thermostat will change the setting automatically.

Smart thermostats are programmable and wi-fi connected. One can learn the pattern of your comings and goings by tracking the location of your cell phone. It “knows” when you’ve entered the home, and based on previous behavior, it can start warming or cooling your home ahead of your expected arrival time, so things will be nice and cozy when you get back. You can change these settings remotely if you’re going to be late. Some smart thermostats can even monitor the weather and start warming things up before a cold front arrives.

Upgraded Air Filters

Manufacturers rate air filters according to their ability to trap airborne particles. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is the scale used to measure their efficiency, and values range from 1 to 20. Values from 16 to 20 are typically considered hospital quality and can filter out bacteria and viruses. These commercial filters are most likely unavailable for home heating and cooling systems.

How do you choose a filter? Pick one with a rating that is right for your home. The type of air contaminants and whether anyone suffers from allergies or asthma are the determining factors. The higher the rating, the smaller the particle trapped by the filter. The more particles caught means less debris collecting on the system’s components and clogging the ductwork. As the rating increases, the holes in the filter’s mesh decrease, and it may take more power to force air through them. Check your user’s manual to see which type is right for your system.

Conclusion

Your HVAC system is an integral part of your home. When things are running smoothly, it may be easy to forget about it until something goes wrong. Be proactive, and take care of your unit. Change dirty air filters, schedule annual maintenance tune-ups and insulate your roof and walls to keep the system running in tip-top shape all year long.

 

Winter energy bills can give you the chills. Is there a way to stay warm without burning up cash? Actually, you can save up to 10% on your energy bills by setting your thermostat to its ideal temperature, which keeps you comfortable, optimizes energy efficiency, and saves you money.

Our guide will cover:

• The best wintertime temperature for your house
• Optimizing your home’s thermal efficiency
• How much money you can save by turning down the heat
• Tips for lowering your heating bills in the wintertime
• How to winterize your home to save money
• Ways to protect your home from the cold
• How to control airflow to keep heat inside
• Ways to feel cozy inside your home

What Is the Best Wintertime Temperature for My House?

Just as you can save money by carefully controlling your air conditioning system during the summer, you can make money- and energy-saving adjustments to your heater that save you cash when it’s cold. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This temperature is warm enough to stay comfortable without putting on extra layers. It also helps keep your house warm for longer periods of time. When the ambient indoor temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, your house becomes less energy efficient and loses heat faster. As the gap between the outdoor temperature and your home’s interior temperature widens, the rate of thermal energy loss increases. Even lowering the temperature by a few degrees will slow down the heat transfer process, saving you money and energy as a result.

Optimizing Your Home’s Thermal Efficiency With Your Thermostat

It takes a little know-how and common sense to regulate the temperature of your home in the wintertime. If you take care to adjust your heater’s temperature settings and winterize your home, you will see lower heating bills.

Make Small Changes

Lowering your home’s temperature from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to a level in the mid-60s or lower can feel like a punishment if you make the changes too quickly. Kids and older people can be easily affected by drops in temperature, but making gradual adjustments should allow their bodies to adapt. Try lowering your heater’s temperature setting by one degree every few days, and keep plenty of soft wraps, blankets, and hot beverages around to encourage warmth and well-being. If your household is especially sensitive, consider making adjustments once a week.

Turn the Heat Down at Night

At night, try lowering your temperature setting below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Does that sound extreme? The fact is, sleep scientists say you’re likely to rest more deeply in temperatures between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. A better night’s sleep can help you be happier and more alert during the day, and it may even help you control your weight. You’ll save money and improve your health, and you might even discover that keeping cozy under extra blankets feels pretty great.

Lower the Temperature When You’re Away

Lowering the temperature while you sleep will save you money, and you can save even more cash by keeping the temperature low when you’re away from home. When you leave your home for more than a few hours, whether it’s for work, shopping, or a weekend trip, try lowering your temperature settings to 58 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s no reason to waste money and energy when your house is unoccupied. Effective heat regulation and an efficient heat transfer ratio correlate to energy savings, which means lower energy bills for you.

A Little Heat Goes a Long Way

It may seem like a great idea to shut off your heater completely when you leave for an extended trip or vacation. Unfortunately, wintertime shutdowns can cause your pipes to freeze and even burst if you live in a cold location. When you set your heater to keep your home’s temperature between 58 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll save money and energy while also protecting your pipes and appliances.

How Much Money Can I Save by Turning Down the Heat?

A good rule of thumb says that when it’s cold outside, you can decrease your home energy bills by 1% if you can lower the temperature inside by one degree Fahrenheit for eight consecutive hours. The longer you maintain the lower temperature, the more money you will save. By reducing your home’s temperature by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day during the winter, you can save up to 10% off your entire home’s heating expenses. The savings can be greater during mild winters because you need less total energy to maintain your desired temperature and the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature will decrease, lowering your thermal transfer rate.

How to Reduce Your Heating Bills in the Winter

If you reduce your energy use in the winter, your energy bills will go down. Lower temperatures require less fuel to maintain, and when you reduce fuel consumption, you save money and contribute to better air quality and a greener planet. Follow the tips below to make the most of your heating system and save cash.

Program and Automate Your Thermostat

If you have a furnace, you can install a digital programmable thermostat so you can automatically adjust your home’s temperature to different preset levels throughout the day. You can preset your heater to automatically adjust the temperature levels at certain hours of the day, which means you can set the temperature to 64 degrees Fahrenheit at night, 58 degrees Fahrenheit when you go to work, and 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you get back home.

Put Your Thermostat In the Right Place

To maximize energy efficiency, it’s best to install your thermostat on a wall in a central, accessible area of your home where the temperature is fairly stable. Installing your control system in an area with unstable temperatures caused by drafts from doors, vents, and windows and direct sunlight can cause readings that don’t reflect the more stable temperature throughout the rest of your home.

Get a New Heater

Modern furnaces and heat pumps are more capable, efficient, and responsive than units of the past. When you adjust your heater’s settings, the air temperature will change more quickly. You should also have lower energy bills when you install an energy-efficient heating system. Whatever heat source you choose to use, make sure it is well-maintained and fully functional.

How to Winterize Your Home to Save Money

If you fail to winterize your home, turning down the heat will have little effect on your energy bills. These home maintenance tips will help you keep the heat in and the cold out, so you stay cozy.

Seal Thermal Leaks

Gaps and cracks in and around walls, windows, doors, floorboards, chimneys, ducts, and ceilings can let cold air in and let warm air leak out. Weatherstripping your windows and doors and caulking gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets, and wiring conduits will help maintain the ambient temperature in your home. As a result, your heating system will work more efficiently.

Winterproof Your Basement

Your home can lose up to 20 percent of its heat through an uninsulated basement. Insulating your basement can help prevent your home from losing heat through its foundation. If you insulate your basement’s floor, walls, and ceiling, you will dramatically improve your home’s energy efficiency. As a bonus, insulating your basement makes it easy to create more usable living space. Some states may even offer tax deductions for adding insulation to your home.

How to Control Airflow to Keep Heat Inside

To keep your home comfortable, you need to keep warm air flowing without letting it escape to the outside. Maintaining good airflow will help regulate the indoor temperature, while good insulation and clean filters will keep air from getting trapped or escaping to the outdoors.

Insulate Your Ductwork

Sealing your home’s ductwork will help heated air reach the right terminal air vents without escaping into crawl spaces or the outdoors. Insulating ducts and sealing them with metallic tape or specialized sealants will conserve heat, increase energy efficiency, and help you save money.

Use Fans to Circulate Air

Heat rises, and heated air will flow toward your ceiling. Ceiling fans can push this air back into the room and make the ambient temperature more balanced. They can also prevent your rooms from getting stuffy when you shut your doors to retain heat. You may also want to install air or duct vent boosters to help regulate your HVAC system’s airflow. These specialty fans sense when to draw cold air out of a room or pump in heated air, then responsively distribute heat to regulate temperature and maintain energy efficiency.

Clean and Change Your Air Filters

Heaters have air filters that need to be regularly maintained. Cleaning and replacing your filters reduces wear and tear on your furnace. It also maximizes airflow through your ventilation pathways, allowing warm air to freely circulate throughout your home. In winter, try changing out your air filters every month, or more frequently if they look particularly dusty.

Close Your Chimney Flue

Leaving your chimney flue open in wintertime lets cold air flow in while warm air escapes. These drafts will create continuous fluctuations in temperature, and your heating system will work hard to compensate for the changes. When you’re not using your fireplace, seal your chimney flue.

Position Your Furniture to Optimize Airflow

The position of your furniture and appliances can affect the flow of air in your rooms. Make sure your vents are not blocked by armoires, beds, and sofas, or refrigerators, freezers, and other large appliances.

Keep Your House Cozy

Investing in a few creature comforts will go a long way toward enjoying your home in the wintertime. When you acquire a few perfect blankets and throws to snuggle into as you sit by the window with a hot cup of tea, you’ll feel extra proud of the money you’re saving on energy bills.

Let the Sun Inside

In wintertime, most of the sunlight that shines through your windows transforms into heat. South-facing windows are the best source of sunlight. Open your curtains and blinds early in the morning, keep them open during the day, and close them when the sun goes down to capture and retain this free, readily available heat.

Use Throws and Insulating Blankets

A soft, beautiful sherpa, mink-textured, chenille, or cashmere throw will make you want to curl up on the sofa with a good book or your favorite movie. Down or silk-filled comforters; cotton, silk, and velvet quilts; wool blankets; and faux fur bedspreads are perfect for layering and keeping you toasty. Good blankets made of quality fibers are an investment in comfort that will last for years and keep you feeling wonderful when you turn down the heat.

Make Your Bed With Flannel Sheets

Soft cotton flannel bed sheets are a comforting, homespun luxury that will keep you warm during cold winter nights. They may even help you look forward to sleeping in on a cold night.

Drink Hot Beverages

Drinking hot tea, coffee, chocolate, or soup will bring your body temperature up for a short time while you get settled in your recliner with a soft blanket. A hot cup will warm your hands, and the steam can feel good on your face. Hot drinks can prevent you from getting dehydrated and make you feel happy and safe when the weather is cold and hostile.

Lower Your Energy Bills and Stay Cozy at Home

Freezing cold temperatures can be a challenge to your wallet and your peace of mind, but if you follow our money-saving tips, you’ll be sure to stay comfy as you make it through to spring.

Winter is just around the corner, and prepping your system ahead of time ensures that you and your family experience comfort indoors during the cold months ahead. Creating regular checkups with a certified technician throughout the year is your best bet. Since a heating system inspector does not check your furnace every day, the following steps will help your HVAC system runs efficiently until your next scheduled appointment:

1. Check the filter.

Look for visible dirt on the filter. Check the vent located near the filter for debris and dust. If the filter looks dirty, or you see an excessive amount of dust, it is time to get a new filter. It is always a good idea to buy one or two extra furnace filters for your heating system before snowy weather approaches.

Think of filters the same way that you think about batteries for your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. October is an opportune time to change the filter in your HVAC system, the batteries in your smoke alarms and the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors.

2. Dust all the vents in your house.

Warm air flows through clean, uncluttered vents. A simple task like dusting the vents can create a warmer home environment for you and your family this winter. Use your regular household duster to dust all the vents. Furniture and blankets placed in front of vents prevent warm air from escaping into your home. So, make it a point to move any objects blocking vents that are located near the floor.

3. Perform a quick thermostat check.

Remember that your heating system operates at its best when the thermostat works correctly. You may run into serious problems if the thermostat is faulty. You can test the thermostat by paying closer attention to how it responds when you turn it on. If the temperature in your room registers at 70 degrees, turn your thermostat to 73 or 74 degrees.

Listen for the heating system to kick on. Schedule an appointment with your HVAC professional if the furnace does not make any sound after you turn the thermostat up. An inspector may need to repair the system or even install a new unit. A necessary installation before the colder weather causes freezing temperatures is your best option.

4. Get a new thermostat.

Some older, mercury-operated thermostats are now thought of as unsafe according to modern standards. If your thermostat is an antique relic, contact your repair technician for an installation of a new device that works with greater efficiency.

Consider installing a set-back thermostat that enables you to monitor the room’s temperature. You can also use the automatic option on a set-back thermostat, which is handy if you need to go somewhere for the weekend or during the night when everyone is sleeping. Additionally, a set-back thermostat will reduce your heating bill during the colder months. Plus, modern thermostats include a place to install backup batteries.

5. Remember to check the heat exchanger.

Brushing and vacuuming a heat exchanger is an important step when you want to prep your heating system for winter. Look at the exchanger with a flashlight to determine if there are visible cracks. Do not attempt to clean the heat exchanger if you are not sure how to go about the task. You are better off contacting an HVAC professional to take care of this for you. Cracks in the heat exchanger can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the atmosphere, so setting up an appointment with a technician makes common sense.

6. Does the blower require lubrication?

If you have an owner’s manual, check to see if your motor requires lubrication. If so, a visit from a technician can readily take care of this problem for you. A service person will apply oil to the bearings and also clean the caps.

7. Check to see if the pilot light is turned on.

You will not have to perform this step if you have a newer HVAC system that does not have a gas pilot light. If you have an older system, it is safer to contact a technician to get the pilot light working again.

8. An oil-powered furnace requires special attention.

An oil unit needs additional maintenance that is not needed if you have a gas HVAC system. If you own an oil-powered unit, you will need to replace your filter and nozzle and check the tank level. A technician will change the oil filter, clean the nozzle and brush the heat exchanger.

9. Prepare your fireplace before cold weather sets in.

Get rid of debris cluttering up the fireplace. In the first place, you should never allow items to clutter the fireplace because safety is of paramount importance. Now is a good time to move all clutter to a new location or even have a garage sale.

Fireplace and wood stove gaskets should close tightly. You can check this with the old dollar bill trick. The bill should not pull out easily. If it does, you either need to adjust or replace the door.

10. Do yourself a favor by hiring an experienced chimney sweep.

Hiring a chimney sweep to clean out the chimney this time of year is an excellent idea. You probably do not want to do this task yourself because cleaning a chimney entails working in an atmosphere filled with excessive amounts of soot and dust.

Chimney sweeping requires special skills. Chimney sweeps wear protective clothing and know how to protect themselves. You do not want to take any unnecessary chances cleaning a chimney yourself unless you have extensive experience as a chimney sweep.

11. Make preparations before winter sets in.

Maintain everything you can think of before it starts snowing. Maintaining a home is important even if you live in an area where it does not snow because rain and colder temperatures are still issues. Use weatherstripping material to seal the front door, backdoor and windows located throughout your house.

If you have a ceiling fan in the living room, it needs to rotate clockwise rather than counterclockwise. When the ceiling fan rotates properly, warmer air tends to blow in a downward direction.

12. October is a good month to inspect the attic.

Hire a professional to replace any insulation material that looks worn out. A well-insulated attic provides your family with a warmer house during the colder months of the year. If you recently purchased an older home, you may want to have a professional inspect the insulation materials to make sure they do not include asbestos or other harmful carcinogens.

13. Regular maintenance ensures proper efficiency.

You can prevent your system from experiencing a breakdown by working with your preferred maintenance technician throughout the year. Maintaining your system once or twice a year will keep your equipment operating smoothly. A technician will inspect everything to ensure that the proper heat will protect your family during inclement weather conditions. Regular inspections also protect your loved ones from dangerous exposure to carbon monoxide.

14. Open online accounts for emergency shopping needs.

You may not always have the option to drive to a store. Weather conditions may cause hazardous driving conditions you will want to avoid if at all possible. You can open one or more accounts with vendors that provide online shopping and delivery services. Some online merchants can deliver groceries to your home on the same day you place an order. An online shopping account is a good idea, especially at times when you are unable to get to a supermarket or department store in person. Plus, an online account can provide you with fast delivery of a new smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector should one of them suddenly stop working.

15. Buy a battery-operated radio.’

If you do not already own a battery-operated radio, now is the time to make this inexpensive purchase. You never know when the electric company is going to turn off your electricity without any warning. You do not want to go out in a snowstorm to buy a radio. An old-fashioned radio can provide your family with entertainment, news and weather updates if your cable service stops working.

A battery-operated radio can also keep you informed when your cell phone battery stops working because of an outage. Your ability to watch live streaming may also feel the effect of an electricity shutdown. So, it is a good idea to own a laptop or Chromebook that keeps a full battery charge for 10 or more hours. You should also have a good flashlight and the appropriate batteries in an emergency.

16. Prepare for HVAC malfunctions and all types of emergencies.

Keep plenty of bottled water on hand. If you do not already own a manual can opener, now is the time to spend a few dollars and buy one. A manual can opener is a necessity during an electrical power outage in winter because you can always use it to open canned beans, spinach, peaches and tuna.

Keep plenty of snacks in your kitchen cupboard, including crackers, pretzels, potato chips, cereal, graham crackers and cookies. Buy no-stir peanut butter that does not require refrigeration because you should avoid opening the refrigerator door during a power outage. Water and food are necessities that may become scarce during a severe winter storm.

17. Keep your family warm with extra coats and blankets.

Make sure you have plenty of blankets in case your furnace stops working. Even though you may have tried your best to maintain the unit, it is impossible to know when something may suddenly malfunction. A good supply of warm coats and blankets ensures that your children will stay warm even if a malfunctioning furnace causes your house to feel unusually cold.

18. Buy batteries before cooler temperatures set in.

Keep extra batteries of all types in your house before winter sets in. You will need AA batteries for the television remote controls and most smoke alarms. Some older smoke alarms require 9-volt batteries, so check them ahead of time to discern which types of batteries they need. In addition, your carbon monoxide detector probably requires AA batteries. Remember to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors by pressing the test buttons once or twice a month.

19. Make an appointment to get your furnace tuned up.

Maintaining your furnace gives you peace of mind in knowing that your spouse, children and pets feel comfortable during snowy or cold weather. You may also save money on heating bills because even slight glitches can cost more money to operate. It is better to maintain your unit before any minor problems become serious. Otherwise, you may find yourself facing expensive repair work.

20. An installation of a new HVAC system may become a necessity.

Maintenance is the key to preventing unwanted repair bills or the installation of a new unit right before winter begins. If repairs become too costly, you may need to upgrade and have a new system installed. A system requiring extensive repair work may need replacement. You will then have to pay for new heating equipment and installation expenses.

You can eliminate a good percentage of unexpected heating system issues by setting up a regular maintenance schedule today. When the topic centers on cold temperatures, heating system maintenance is the key to preventing unexpected problems.

You probably notice your HVAC system only when you turn it on. Otherwise, you pay the utility bill each month until it stops working properly. However, an HVAC tune-up and management can keep this essential home appliance from driving up your energy costs. Ignoring proper care of your HVAC unit and making these HVAC mistakes can not only raise electricity bills but also decrease efficiency and ultimately lead to an AC repair or replacement.

Here are 15 easy-to-make mistakes to avoid so you can reap year-round rewards!

1. Not Replacing Old Filters

A cool house during the hot summer months is something everybody wants. But, unfortunately, forgetting to replace the filters increases your energy bill. In addition, continuously using air conditioning filters cause the coils to become dirty and hinder airflow.

As a result, your HVAC system does not perform at maximum efficiency. Not only will you have higher electricity bills each month, but also dirty filters will shorten the life of your unit. Frequent replacement of the air filter has the opposite effect.

You could save money, lower energy consumption by up to 15% and your AC unit last longer.

Typically, replacing filters every month during the summer season is a good idea. However, if it seems the air filter collects excessive debris and dust, you may need to change it more often.

2. Running the AC with Clogged Fins and Coils

Two more essential parts of an air conditioner are the coils and fins, which can get clogged with dust and grime. Both work with evaporators inside your house and outside condensers to absorb and reduce heat. Impeding this necessary airflow reduces their performance.

To avoid clogged coils, never have an HVAC installation that places the system near dryer vents. Additionally, regularly remove grass clippings and fallen leaves. Finally, keep shrubs near the unit trimmed to allow for adequate airflow.

Running the AC unit without checking the coils for grime build-up decreases the efficiency of your unit and the money in your wallet. Cleaning the AC unit before the weather gets warm is a good practice.

3. Placing Your HVAC Unit in a Bad Spot

Although your HVAC unit does not spruce up the landscape, hiding the unit in a Bad spot, such as in direct sunlight, is a mistake. The location of the air conditioner significantly impacts energy efficiency. As such, try having it installed in a shady area.

Otherwise, the system works harder when it faces too much sunlight. Additionally, do not block the sun with plants or shrubs too close to the AC unit. Doing so might clog condenser coils and impede ventilation.

4. Installing the Thermostat Near Heat

Having your thermostat installed in the wrong place is another mistake that creates unexpected increases in your energy bill. During an installation or AC system replacement, make sure the thermostat is not close to heated objects such as a lamp.

Just as you want to protect the outdoor unit, the thermostat should not be exposed to sunlight indoors. Too much heat could give a higher temperature reading in the house. This could make the AC run longer than necessary. Extra energy use translates to a higher utility bill.

5. Using an Outdated Thermostat

While a programmable thermostat may sound like another technology intrusion, it may do wonders in lowering your utility bill. Generally, a programmable thermostat lets you set the temperature to match the activity in your home.

For instance, you can program the thermostat to run the AC at different temperatures throughout the day. Then, on weekday mornings, the thermostat will automatically change when you rush out the door, allowing you to manage cooling with minimum attention.

Many advanced thermostats match your technological proficiency level, such as using an app to change the temperature. An upgraded thermostat, particularly if your current one is a few decades old, is another way to save money on the electricity bill.

Speak with an HVAC expert for advice on choosing one that fits your home’s rhythm.

6. Keeping the Temperature on a Low Setting

Setting the temperature too low with or without a programmable thermostat can raise your electric bill too high. Break the habit of putting the thermostat below 70 degrees because you think that will cool the house faster.

On the contrary, adjusting the temperature to a higher temperature setting saves big bucks on electricity bills. In fact, for every degree you raise the thermostat, it is possible to cut 3% off your energy costs.

Your air conditioner works just as hard to lower the temperature in your house by 20 degrees as it does by two degrees. Therefore, never set the thermostat lower than what you need.

7. Ignoring the Drain

Many AC units include drain lines that are crucial to the system’s performance. Drains collect condensation to prevent moisture issues. If the drain line becomes clogged from moisture build-up, your AC can freeze internally and have difficulty blowing cool air inside your home.

A clogged drain can cause the AC unit to struggle, and surrounding walls and floors may sustain permanent damage if water is not channeled outside. Therefore, keeping the drain line clean is important. In addition, an HVAC technician can ensure gunk does not accumulate.

8. Closing Off an Empty Room

Even though closing off an empty room that few people use seems like an excellent way to save energy, it can make your HVAC system work harder. Keeping your HVAC unit working efficiently means keeping interior doors open.

Generally, a key is having good ventilation since inside air constantly circulates in your home. While hot air rises, cooler air sinks. For example, the intake vent draws the air out of the house during summer.

This same air travels across evaporator coils before returning to your house as chilled air. Keeping the door closed in an unoccupied room traps the air inside whenever the air conditioner is in its cooling cycle.

Closing the door when the AC is not in a cooling cycle starves the room of the airflow circulating throughout the rest of the house. Both situations waste energy and create pressure problems.

Contact a local HVAC service company if you have questions about keeping interior doors closed or open or if you need AC repair or furnace maintenance services.

9. Keeping the Same Temperature Setting in an Empty House

On one hand, running your air conditioner when no one is at home is an inefficient way to have higher electricity bills. On the other hand, turning the unit off is not an efficient trade-off. This is especially true during hot Carolina days when the temperature inside your home rises.

So, the solution is to increase the thermostat by at least five degrees when you and your family leave for the day. Don’t worry about returning to a warmer house. This simple change only takes approximately 30 minutes to cool down the house when you return.

Fortunately, you can do this with or without a programmable thermostat to ensure the air conditioner benefits your household. A fixed schedule works just as well as manually changing the temperature to save money.

10. Ignoring Drafts and Leaks

Disregarding drafts and leaks cause more heat to escape from your home. To compensate for this loss, your furnace has to work harder to keep your family warm. Keep in mind that your HVAC system is around 40% of your utility bills.

Most cold air enters your home through window sills. Check these areas for drafts, caulking, and weather stripping around exterior doors. The attic is another common area for drafts and leaks.

Neglecting these escape routes means your money goes out the door with the heat. Not only are you paying more, but drafts and leaks create mold-causing moisture. Prolonged exposure to mold puts your family’s health at risk.

Closing drafts and sealing leaks helps to reduce your electricity bill and keep your family safe.

11. Not Using Ceiling Fans

A well-maintained air conditioner has the best cooling power. However, that comfort can come at a price. One way to possibly reduce the monthly bill is with a ceiling fan. While a fan and AC unit work differently, both can keep you cool in different ways.

Fans work to cool you down while the AC cools down your home. Used together, you can use less electricity without sacrificing having a comfortable home.

Typically, any fan helps to keep cool air circulating throughout the house. For maximum effort, install a ceiling fan near the vent. During the summer, run ceiling fans counterclockwise. This pushes the air downward. Place a pedestal fan or tower fan beside or underneath the vent.

12. Installing an Ill-Fitted AC Unit

Paying close attention to sizing requirements is crucial before an HVAC installation. If the unit is too small for your home, it might not regulate the temperature correctly. In addition, the unit will need to work overtime to deliver any level of comfort.

Alternately, installing an oversized HVAC system also leads to an overworked unit. It will turn on and off constantly as it struggles to meet demands. Over time, the unit becomes undependable. As a result, you will find yourself needing another AC system replacement too soon.

Although you might be able to determine a general estimate, calculating the correct size can be complicated. HVAC professionals can carefully size a unit to match the square footage of your home.

13. Running an Older AC Unit

Relying on an inefficient HVAC unit is a quick way to higher electricity bills. A system over 20 years old is the likely driver of high energy costs. Older systems are usually more expensive to operate, requiring frequent furnace maintenance and AC checks.

In most cases, an older HVAC unit consumes an excessive amount of power. Wear and tear over time adds to your repair costs, especially if during an HVAC tune-up the technician has to order hard-to-find parts.

Therefore, consider replacing an inefficient unit with a more energy-efficient HVAC system. The upfront costs might seem daunting but will pay off over time.

14. Not Scheduling Regular HVAC System Maintenance

Whether you have an older or newer HVAC system, keeping up with the maintenance is what counts in having a unit that works when needed. The last thing you want is to pay for an expensive HVAC installation and ignore regular maintenance.

Making sure you stay on schedule with tune-ups, check-ups and repairs are important if you want to stop paying more than necessary on electricity bills. Regular maintenance visits keep your system in good working condition for as long as possible.

During a biannual visit, the technician will:

• Inspect the seals
• Check fuses, wiring and other areas for corrosion
• Evaluate the drain line
• Examine all moving parts for wear
• Replace or repair issues

15. Not Calling an HVAC Pro

Although you might consider yourself the best at DIY projects, there are times with your HVAC unit has a problem that only a professional can fix. These individuals are trained to check specific areas that an untrained eye can overlook.

Additionally, an HVAC professional can spot things early enough before they turn into serious, more costly issues in the future.

Make that routine service call for an inspection and HVAC tune-up. You will be glad you did to prevent outages and an emergency repair!

Take Care of Your HVAC System to Reduce Your Electricity Bills

Not keeping your HVAC system in good working order increases your electricity bills and heating and AC repair costs. If you want to reduce both expenses, stop making the mistakes mentioned above.

Also, make sure you hire an HVAC company that you can trust. Not only will they send technicians to diagnose and repair issues properly, but they will also share cost-saving tips on the best ways to keep your HVAC unit performing at its optimal level for years to come.

How Do You Benefit From Our Duct Diagnosis? 

If your home relies on ducts for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, you need to get a duct inspection as soon as possible. Our duct diagnosis can significantly improve the functioning of your HVAC system. As a result, you’ll spend less money on energy bills, and you’ll enjoy a cleaner and healthier home.

What Are the Main Benefits of a Duct Diagnosis?

Problem Detection and Intervention

 Some signs may point to problems with your ducts. Maybe you’re noticing a weaker airflow throughout your home or unevenness in the cooling and heating. It’s possible that your energy costs have been mounting, even without changes to your energy use. Other warning signs include clogged air filters, increased dust around your home, and a smell of mildew.

 The sooner you call us, the quicker you can understand what’s going on with your ducts. We’re skilled at pinpointing the source of problems and coming up with effective solutions. The longer a problem goes undetected or unfixed, the more it will cost. We keep existing problems from becoming worse, and we prevent new ones.

Duct Diagnosis can Lower Energy Bills

 When the ducts in your home aren’t in good shape, your HVAC system can’t function optimally. It has to use up more resources to produce the same heating and cooling effects. You’re stuck with steeper bills for a system that’s performing poorly.

 With our duct diagnosis, you’ll cut down on energy waste and reduce the amount of money you spend on maintaining comfortable temperatures in your home. We’ll keep you from losing hundreds or thousands of dollars in long-term costs by fixing leaks, removing clogs, applying insulation, cleaning the ducts, and performing other necessary work.

 Along with being budget-friendly, our work is friendly to the environment. When an HVAC system works well and wastes less heat or conditioned air, it consumes less energy. Its impact on the environment is weaker. Your lower energy bills will serve as a reminder that your home has become more energy efficient. 

Healthier Living Spaces

 Without a timely duct diagnosis, your ducts stay neglected. They accumulate dust, dirt, mold, mildew, and other contaminants. Because your duct system runs through your home, these contaminants spread easily, making your home less healthy and clean.

 If you or your loved ones suffer from allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions, it’s essential to keep your ducts in good shape. But even if you don’t have medical issues, the contaminants can still trigger unpleasant responses. Coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and dry skin are all potential effects.

 Another issue that our duct diagnosis may uncover is a pest infestation. We can detect eggs, droppings, and other indications that your home is under invasion. Along with contacting professional exterminators, you’ll also need to clean the ducts thoroughly.

 What other problems can result from duct neglect? If the ducts are noisy, they may be keeping you up at night or disturbing your attempts to concentrate during the day. Fortunately, we know effective techniques for noise reduction in ducts. Our work gives you a calmer and more enjoyable home environment.

Contact Us

 The ducts in your home need to undergo inspection, maintenance, and any necessary repairs or upgrades. We aim to strengthen your quality of life and spare you from unnecessary costs by providing you with our duct diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to contact us for essential HVAC services.

On average, a furnace lasts around 20 years. You might go a long time as a homeowner without needing to purchase a furnace, so shopping for one when the time comes can feel overwhelming. Like with any major purchase, doing your research beforehand is critical. Before you buy a new furnace, you should understand your options and what to look for in a quality system. Here are four tips for first-time furnace buyers:

Know the three types of furnaces

 The three main types of furnaces are single-stage, two-stage, and modulating systems. A single-stage is the traditional type of furnace with one “on” setting and one “off” setting. It turns on until your home reaches your desired temperature, and then it shuts off until the temperature drops out of range again. 

 A two-stage furnace uses a smaller flame for milder temperatures and a more significant flame for colder temperatures. It tends to run for longer cycles instead of frequently turning on and off, and it can keep your home at a precisely controlled temperature. A modulating system can adjust the size of the flame in small increments, so it offers the most steady and consistent heating. 

Furnace Installation: Prioritize Efficiency

 Modern furnaces are much more energy-efficient than older furnaces. High-efficiency systems may be more expensive up-front, but they will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars over time on your heating bill. 

 Investing in a high-efficiency furnace is well worth the cost. Look for a furnace with an efficiency rating of 95 percent or with an Energy Star certification. Many high-efficiency furnaces even offer rebates from the manufacturer or your state or local government. 

Consider Upgrading the other HVAC Components

 If your furnace needs replacing, the other components of your HVAC system may need upgrades as well. The accessories to your furnace, such as the ductwork and vents, need to be in good working condition if you want to maximize the system’s efficiency.

 When you schedule your furnace installation, you could also ask your technician to inspect the other components of the system. They may recommend replacing the ductwork around the furnace so that it fits the new unit properly. Your HVAC technician can check the vents and the chimney for wear and tear, too. 

Find a Great Furnace Installation Expert

 The highest-rated furnace on the market won’t be suitable for your home if it isn’t installed correctly. Your furnace installation heavily influences the efficiency and consistency of your HVAC system. Mistakes during the installation could also lead to costly repairs in the future.

 You should research and interview a few furnace installation technicians in your area to find the best provider. Request references from past clients and asks if they have a NATE certification or other qualifications. When you find a furnace installation company you trust, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can consult them if you run into any issues with the system. 

 Buying a new furnace can be stressful, but understanding your options will help you narrow down your search. If you have any questions or concerns about your furnace installation, reach out to an HVAC expert you trust.

As the winter months approach, you’re probably in the process of preparing your house for cold weather. Pipe protection should be near the top of your list as frozen pipes can be an expensive, frustrating situation. When water freezes in the pipes, it expands and puts tremendous strain on the system. If enough pressure builds up, the pipes can burst.

 No matter where you live, you should be aware of the causes and risks of frozen or burst pipes. While homes in northern regions are often equipped with extra pipe protection measures because cold temperatures are expected, southern homes may not have these safeguards in place. If your area experiences colder temperatures than usual this year, your home may be at an exceptionally high risk of burst pipes.

Steps for Pipe Protection

 Fortunately, there are several pipe protection steps you can take to reduce your risk of a catastrophe. Here are four tips for preventing frozen pipes: 

Install Insulation

 Insulation is your best option for pipe protection. It helps regulate the temperatures inside the pipes, so it can dramatically decrease the risk of freezing. This is an incredibly worthwhile investment for unheated areas of your home, such as your garage or attic. However, if possible, you should insulate the pipes throughout your entire home. The project is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing a burst pipe. 

Keep Your Faucets Running

 Leaky faucets may not be great for water conservation, but they do help with pipe protection. Running water freezes much less readily than still water, so turning on a couple of faucets throughout your home to a slow, steady drip could help keep them in good condition. It’s best to do this with the taps connected to exposed pipes, as they are at the highest risk of freezing. 

Be Mindful of Your Thermostat

 Many homeowners lower their thermostat’s temperature at night or while they’re out of the house to reduce their heating bill. Dropping the temperature by a few degrees shouldn’t hurt the pipes, but significantly lowering your thermostat could be risky. Keep this in mind if you’re traveling, too. Even though you won’t be home, you shouldn’t turn off your heat entirely. 

Open Your Cabinets

 You don’t have to keep your kitchen and bathroom cabinets wide open all winter to protect your pipes, but opening them once in a while can help them warm up. The warm air from your home will circulate better around the outside of the lines when the cabinet doors are open, preventing ice and pressure buildup on frigid days.

 Frozen pipes are a nightmare for homeowners, but fortunately, you can prevent this problem by investing some time and money into pipe protection. Taking the time to prepare your home and staying conscious of your home’s temperature throughout the winter should ensure that the pipes stay warm enough through the coldest months of the year.

Although some of the most critical components of a central HVAC system, ducts and vents rarely receive the necessary care to perform correctly. The cold, hard reality is that clean, well-maintained ducts can make any HVAC system work like brand new. Here are a few benefits of regular duct maintenance and cleaning that more than justify the cost. 

Lower Fuel and Electricity Bills

 When they’re not properly maintained, your HVAC ducts can boost your heating and cooling bills by up to 30%. When ducts are clogged with debris, your central HVAC unit has to work a lot harder to circulate hot and cold air throughout the house. Furthermore, ducts riddled with leaks and lack adequate insulation will allow hot and cool air to escape into unwanted spaces before reaching target rooms.

More Effective Heating and Cooling

 Ensuring that a home or business’s ductwork is well balanced and free of obstructions is critical if you want to get the most out of your HVAC system. Ensuring that registers and return vents aren’t blocked will go a long way towards maximizing the ability of your HVAC unit to adjust temperatures quickly. Regular duct maintenance also makes it easier to manage interior humidity levels carefully.

Superior Air Quality Throughout the Home

 Without a doubt, prudent duct maintenance is one of the most sure-fire ways to improve indoor air quality. Cleaning out ducts and vents can stop the spread of mold spores and bacteria. Sealing cracks in the ducts themselves will prevent nasty dust and insulation particles hiding behind the walls from making their way into living areas. Adding UV lights to ductwork can virtually eliminate viruses and germs.

Increased HVAC Hardware Longevity

 Dirty, leaky ducts can accelerate the aging process of your central HVAC unit and necessitate premature replacement. This is especially true if your ductwork is in such bad shape that your HVAC system has to work around the clock to deliver the heating and cooling results you desire. Annual duct maintenance can take a lot of strain off of expensive HVAC components and make them last much longer.

Reduced Likelihood of Property Damage

 Quite possibly, the most significant upside of duct maintenance is its ability to protect your home from unexpected fires. Significant accumulations of dust, lint, and animal hair in ducts and vents can quickly ignite under the right circumstances. This is especially true if your HVAC system runs on propane or natural gas. Allowing your ducts to become tinderboxes can also make electrical fires a lot more likely.

Keeping Your HVAC Ducts in Great Shape the Easy Way

 Keeping an eye on duct maintenance is imperative if you want an HVAC system that fires on all cylinders. That’s why it’s so important to have a qualified HVAC professional inspect the ductwork every few years. Doing so will warn you of problems coming down the pike and allow you to fix impending issues before they become catastrophes.

HVAC is one of those things that is easily taken for granted until something goes wrong. People who would not dream of neglecting their cars are bad about maintaining their HVAC systems.

 Here are some good reasons to stay on top of routine maintenance:

 • You will be safer, healthier, and more comfortable in your home.

 • Your HVAC system will be more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

 • You will save money on heating and cooling bills. Almost half of home energy consumption goes to heating and cooling.

 • Your HVAC system will last longer.

 • Routine maintenance is a condition of many warranties. 

The Importance of Having Your HVAC System Inspected by a Professional

 Is HVAC maintenance a good do-it-yourself project? There are a handful of chores that will help keep your system up and running between inspections.

 You can — and should — regularly change the air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should keep an outdoor unit free of grime and debris, make sure that indoor vents are unblocked, and routinely check the battery on your thermostat. 

 Otherwise, HVAC maintenance should be left to licensed, experienced professionals. There are lots of moving parts on both aging models and modern versions featuring cutting-edge technology. HVAC experts have the training and skill to spot potential problems. They can resolve minor issues before they become unpleasant, costly surprises.

What to Expect from your HVAC System

 Depending on your equipment, a thorough system checkup takes anywhere from one to two hours. Inspectors go down a lengthy checklist that covers everything from saving energy to improving air quality. Here are some of the most basic services:

 • Checking the refrigerant pressure and coolant level.

 • Calibrating the thermostat.

 • Inspecting electrical wiring, contacts, relays, and capacitors.

 • Cleaning the condensate line and evaporator coil.

 • Inspecting the condenser, fan components, and outdoor disconnect.

 • Testing for proper airflow inside your home.

 • Checking the filters.

 Inspectors tighten everything up and clean and lubricate equipment to ensure that it is at peak performance. They make minor repairs and replace small parts when necessary. They might add refrigerant. 

 They will also perform tests and calculations to ensure that your equipment is the perfect size for your home. Even top-quality systems perform poorly if they are too small or too large.

 When the inspection is complete, they will go through it with you and recommend keeping the HVAC system in tip-top shape. They will not make major repairs or replace expensive parts without consulting you first.

When to Schedule Inspections

 Yearly inspections are recommended for newer systems, but aging units need more attention. Most conscientious homeowners schedule a checkup in spring and another in fall to be on the safe side.

 Dirt, aging, wear and tear, and extreme temperatures take a toll on HVAC equipment. However, just like with cars, many repairs are preventable.

 Investing in routine maintenance will prolong the life of your HVAC system and pay off for years to come.