If you’re a homeowner in Charleston, SC, ensuring your HVAC system functions effectively this summer is key to comfort and low energy bills. The efficiency of your HVAC system depends on how you use and manage it. Below are some habits that will deteriorate your HVAC efficiency.
Neglecting Your Air Filters
The air filters are responsible for cleaning your air before it flows into your home. Therefore, they play a vital role in your ventilation and indoor air quality. Having a pet means that your air filters are liable to the build-up of dirt, dust, pet dander and other pollutants.
Clogged or dirty air filters block airflow, consequently lowering your indoor air quality and overworking your HVAC system. It’s a good idea to routinely change or clean your air filters. Addressing filters is one way to increase your HVAC efficiency and lower your monthly energy bills.
Rarely Scheduling HVAC Maintenance
The key to the efficiency and durability of your HVAC system lies in its maintenance. If you ignore or schedule inconsistent maintenance checks, you’ll decrease HVAC efficiency.
Because your HVAC system is essential for your home’s daily air conditioning, it’ll naturally experience wear and tear or strains over time. Therefore, we recommend that you hire an HVAC professional to check your system twice a year or seasonally. Such preventive maintenance will boost energy efficiency and tackle problems early.
Obstructions in Your Supply Vents
Smooth and unobstructed airflow is crucial to your HVAC system functioning without strain. Blockages in your vents, ductwork or returns will limit airflow. Consequently, your HVAC system will overwork itself to adjust temperature correctly while using more energy.
Watch out for items or debris such as plants, toys, shoes and furniture that can block airflow pathways. Such materials could also cause damage to your vents, leading to costly repairs. Schedule routine maintenance that’ll scan your ducts and clear blockages.
Misusing the Thermostat
A thermostat is essential in the functionality of your HVAC system. Thermostats send prompts to adjust the temperatures, while programmable thermostats will also smartly self-adjust temperatures based on your habits and desired comfort.
You can save a lot by learning to use your thermostat correctly. Constantly adjusting the thermostat and turning the HVAC system on and off will strain it. It’s also best if you upgrade to a smart or programmable thermostat if you haven’t already.
With the programmable thermostat, you can program your thermostat to adjust temperatures even when you’re not home. The programmable thermostats use innovative technology to understand routines and adjust temperatures accordingly to meet your comfort needs. Hire an HVAC professional to install or upgrade you to a programmable thermostat for improved energy efficiency.
Pushing Your Unit Pasts Its Limits
If your home is bigger than your system’s capacity, it can be overwhelming on it. Unknowingly, you’ll continuously overwork the HVAC system, causing inefficiency and malfunctioning. Using a more oversized HVAC system in a smaller home will also cause system cycling, in turn deteriorating your HVAC performance.
It can offer more comfort in the hot and humid summer conditions if you adjust your thermostat to extremely low and cool readings. That is, however, not energy-efficient and will spike up your bills. Try to keep your thermostat no lower than 78 during the day and seek other ways to cool your home, such as opening windows or using a fan.
DIY Repairs
Do-it-yourself repairs are a big no-no when it comes to the maintenance of your HVAC system. While it may seem exciting and cost-friendly, DIY repairs can cause more damage, risking your safety and HVAC efficiency.
HVAC professionals have the certified training, expertise and required equipment to handle your issues safely and satisfactorily. So, hire a professional for all your AC repairs and replacements.
Improper use, knowledge and maintenance of your HVAC system will significantly reduce efficiency and shorten the its longevity. Contact and hire Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning for all your HVAC system’s repair and maintenance needs.
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