Getting the Most Out Of an HVAC System

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a home is responsible for keeping the temperature and humidity in every room comfortable, regardless of the weather outside. Taking a few steps throughout the year will help to increase the efficiency of the system and reduce the costs of heating and cooling the house. Just a small amount of attention paid to the HVAC equipment will also prevent damage to the individual components so that expensive replacements and repairs are not needed every season.

Always Check the Thermostat

Leaving a thermostat set to a single temperature all year long is a costly way to use an HVAC system. The thermostat should be set to a comfortable temperature, depending on the season. Additionally, the thermostat should be checked occasionally to ensure that it is actually working correctly. The control panel, wiring and other components do experience problems over time that might result in inaccurate readings or lost signals that never reach the heating and cooling units. Most HVAC services will check the thermostat for these problems during routine inspections.

Identify Problems Early

It is important to quickly identify when the heating and cooling systems in a home are not operating as expected. An increase in humidity or dust and a failure to heat or cool a room over the course of the day indicates a problem. This could mean that the ventilation and ducts in the home have been damaged and are leaking air. It could also mean that there is a problem with the fans or cooling mechanisms. Allowing the problem to continue without calling professional HVAC services for repair will only make the issue grow worse over time.

Change Air Filters Regularly

Every single month the air filters in the HVAC system need to be checked and replaced if necessary. Dirty or aging air filters reduce the energy-efficiency of the heating and cooling system by a significant amount. This is primarily because the dust that is collected in the filter creates a solid barrier that blocks the flow of air over time. Changing the filters keeps all of the equipment working optimally.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Every HVAC system requires maintenance. Professional HVAC services will examine the equipment, test the output and identify areas that need slight adjustments. This should be done in the spring and in the fall before each season begins. Regular maintenance will reduce energy costs, preserve the heating and cooling systems in the home and create better indoor air quality during the summer and winter.