When it starts to heat up in Charleston, you depend on your HVAC system to keep you and your family cool and comfortable. While cooling is a necessity, it is one of the largest expenses during the spring and throughout the summer. However, there are a few basic things you can do to maximize your HVAC efficiency and not take away from your warm weather fun.
Insider Tips For HVAC Efficiency
- Keep it clean: Wash the outside of your HVAC unit with a garden hose. Rinsing off your unit can remove any dust and debris that may have collected and clogged the compressor unit. Before you do this, though, you should turn off the power to the unit at the circuit breaker box to eliminate the risk of shorting out the component. Leave the power off for at least 15 minutes afterwards to let the water evaporate and drip off.
- Change your filter regularly: By ensuring that there’s always a clean filter, you are not only ensuring cleaner, healthier air in your home, but you are also making your air conditioner colder and more efficient. A dirty, clogged filter means that your HVAC has to work harder, run hotter and use more electricity in the process. Changing the filter once a month is key to keeping it running at its best.
- Seal the leaks: A third helpful tip involves keeping the cold air in and the hot air out of your home. Check around your windows and doors for cracks and gaps. If you find problems, they can usually be fixed with a little caulking or weatherstripping. This is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to save money on electricity bills and keep the much needed cold air inside your home. If you need help identifying trouble spots, schedule a professional energy audit.
To learn more tips and tricks to make your air conditioning and HVAC colder, visit us at Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning, or call (843) 277-6030 to schedule a maintenance visit today.