As the sweltering heat of the summer settles in, you rely more on your air conditioning system to cool you down and keep you comfortable at home. Likewise, when outside temperatures dip below freezing, you have to crank up the heat. Because your heating and cooling system is a year-round necessity, you want to have it serviced and maintained so it can run as long and as efficiently as possible.
In this article, air conditioning service provider Albert Air Inc. shares six HVAC maintenance habits you need to break and what to do instead.
1. Constantly adjusting the thermostat.
A smart thermostat gives you personalized control over your heating and cooling. Even when you are away on a summer vacation or a business trip, you can pull out your phone or device and adjust the settings on your thermostat with ease. However, make sure not to adjust it constantly as this can lead to frequent on and off cycles. This means your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder in order to sufficiently heat or cool your living space, requiring more energy and raising your monthly utility bill.
So what should you do? The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home during the summer months. To save on cooling costs while you are away for more than two hours, set your thermostat to 88 degrees.
2. Planting too close to the outdoor unit.
When it comes to your outdoor air conditioning unit, blocked airflow is a no-no. Since the condenser is located outside, it tends to accumulate dirt, dust and debris from trees and weeds in the warmer months. If your condenser is clogged, the amount of cooling from your air conditioner is reduced and your system can break down sooner than expected.
Fortunately, it is easy to avoid the problems caused by a clogged condenser. Make sure that you regularly cut back any vegetation that has grown under and around your unit. You should also check the concrete pad or platform on which your unit rests and make sure that it is level. If you suspect that your condenser needs a more thorough cleaning, do not hesitate to contact a local technician.
3. Closing the registers and vents in unused rooms.
Your HVAC system is designed to cool or heat a certain amount of space. If you close your registers and vents in unused rooms, expecting to reduce your energy consumption, it will only force your equipment to run harder, especially if it is improperly sized. This can lead to a host of problems such as a frozen evaporator coil, longer run times and shorter system life. If your HVAC unit has a single-speed motor, closing some of the registers will also restrict airflow between rooms and throughout the ductwork. This puts unnecessary strain on your system, possibly causing air leaks or a broken compressor.
Instead of closing your registers and vents, consider using a zoned temperature control system in your home. With this, you can modify the temperature in zones you rarely use, allowing the ideal level of comfort in every area of your home.
4. Forgetting to change the air filters.
Air filters are responsible for keeping dirt, pet dander, pollen and other airborne contaminants from flowing through your HVAC system. If your filters become clogged, however, the airflow is reduced, making it difficult to reach your desired temperature. So this component not only helps improve the air quality within your home, it also prevents your system from sustaining damage.
As a general rule, you should check your filter once a month. If you believe a replacement is needed, do so as recommended. Changing your filter on a regular basis keeps your indoor air clean, lowers heating and cooling expenses, and extends the service life of your system.
5. Opting for DIY repairs.
HVAC repair and replacement should always be left to professionals. Apart from replacing your air filters, there are no other HVAC procedures that are generally considered DIY-friendly. In fact, attempting to take on tasks that only technicians are qualified to do can cause permanent damage to your system and harm to yourself. Maintaining heating and cooling systems requires specialized tools and involves hazards, such as high electrical voltage, flammable pressurized natural gas and toxic combustion fumes. A trained technician can deal with these risks in a safe and efficient manner.
If you have been noticing little to no airflow, an increase in your energy bills or suspicious noises or odors coming from your HVAC system, call a local technician right away.
6. Failing to schedule preventative maintenance.
If there is one habit you should break, it is neglecting preventive maintenance. It is important to have a trusted HVAC contractor come out and take a look at your furnace in the fall and the air conditioner in the spring. This allows them to detect small issues before they spiral out of control and result in serious and expensive damage. Many contractors offer maintenance agreements so residents and business owners alike won’t forget to schedule a service appointment.
Contact Us for All Your Heating & Air Conditioning Needs
Let Albert Air Inc. take care of the HVAC needs of your home or business. From thermostat installation and indoor air quality solutions to furnace replacement and “air conditioning repair near me“, our experienced technicians have you covered. We will listen to your concerns and walk you through all your options so you can make the best decision. Call (714) 526-6368 or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation quote.
