Keeping your HVAC system efficient is the key to giving it a long lifespan, less repairs, and better performance. And most of all, it gives you extra money that you don’t have to put toward the energy bill!
Air conditioners and furnaces operate differently, so you can expect them to come with their own methods for maintaining efficiency. But this time, we want to go over efficiency tips that apply to both systems.
No matter if you’re using an air conditioner, furnace, or even a heat pump, you’ll be able to get some wisdom-nuggets out of the following tips.
Keep the Ducts Clean
The average home is said to collect about 40 pounds of dust annually [source]. Of course, you’d never just let it get to that point—that’s why you clean it by dusting the shelves and sweeping the floors. But for your duct system, it’s not so easy. It takes the tools and experience of a professional to get in there and make sure they’re thoroughly cleaned.
Dirt and buildup in your ducts can cause a slew of problems, such as causing your unit to break down and decreasing your indoor air quality. If you’ve never had your ducts cleaned before, it’s not too late to schedule an annual appointment.
Buy an Energy Efficient Unit
If it’s time for you to replace your unit soon—or if you’re just doing research for a brand-new one—then you should factor efficiency ratings into your research.
Air conditioners and heaters are rated with SEER and AFUE ratings, respectively. They both, essentially, inform the buyer of the unit’s maximum efficiency capabilities. As you might expect, units with higher ratings can be a bit more expensive since they use better technology. However, the investment will be worth it.
If your HVAC unit is more than 10 years old, there’s a high chance that it has a low-efficiency rating. Simply upgrading to a recent model should be enough to boost your efficiency and lower monthly operational costs.
Change the Air Filter Often
The air filter is so simple that it’s easy to forget. Both air conditioners and heaters use them to keep dust and debris from entering sensitive parts of the machine. An air filter that’s clogged with dust can cause airflow issues, force the unit to work harder, and even cause expensive damages.
How often you should change your air filter will depend on your own situation. The number of family members in the home, the addition of pets, and the size of your home are all factors in the longevity of your air filter. If you’re not sure, consult with an HVAC contractor in Miami, FL for an opinion.
Keep Up With Maintenance
Maintenance is only needed once a year, for each of your systems, but it can go a long way toward maintaining efficiency and keeping your system free of repair issues. The ideal time to get maintenance is just before the season it’s meant for: air conditioning maintenance just before summer, and furnace maintenance just before winter.
For more efficiency tips, or to schedule maintenance, contact Air On Demand today!