Save this Summer with Proactive HVAC Maintenance

Home and business owners can reduce the chances of untimely air conditioning failures with these tips.

After months of sitting idle, HVAC systems can strain to keep up with higher temperatures as the summer season arrives. Some proactive maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your system running efficiently.

Save Money

In addition to preventing costly breakdowns, HVAC tune-ups can help homeowners save money by reducing energy consumption. A system tune-up will keep your HVAC system working efficiently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an HVAC unit running close to peak efficiency can save you up to 30% on your energy bill.

Being Preventative Pays

The longer a minor issue goes undetected, the greater the chance of a breakdown. Small issues caused by normal wear and tear can usually be corrected if discovered early. If homeowners are not having their unit serviced regularly, minor problems will turn into costly repairs. Having your unit serviced will not only limit breakdowns but will also extend the life of your system.

Your HVAC Warranty

Most HVAC manufacturers who provide warranties require evidence of annual maintenance to pay a claim. If you are not having your unit serviced annually and the system breaks down, your claim may be rejected.

Air Quality

An HVAC unit performing at high quality can help improve your home or office’s IAQ. One of the functions of an HVAC system is filtering pollutants in the air. If you haven’t been regularly servicing your unit, it may not be filtering all the allergens in your home. To increase comfort, ensure your unit is working properly.

Do it yourself

• Install a Smart Thermostat
  • With newer technologies, it is now possible to customize your air conditioning schedule even when you aren’t home. Depending on the weather and your personal schedule, you can make adjustments to the temperature you set. If you know you’re not going to be home, you can schedule your unit to turn off or let the indoor temperature rise a little.
• Check the Filter
  • The first thing to check when it comes to your HVAC unit is your air filter. With a disposable filter, it’s essential to replace your air filter at least every 3 months. Other types of filters need to be thoroughly cleaned roughly once a month in order to keep things working effectively. You may need to clean or replace your filters more frequently if you have pets in your home or are a smoker.
• Adjust Temperature
  • Prevent your HVAC system from working too hard by raising the thermostat a little bit. This will prevent your system from cycling on and off as many times throughout the day, which will not only prevent excess wear and tear, but saves you money as well as the startup of a your A/C uses the most energy.
• Turn on Ceiling Fans
  • Positioning several different kinds of fans throughout your home can make a huge difference in the comfort and feel of the air inside. Make sure your ceiling fans are set to rotate clockwise during the summer. This way, the air can flow downward, preventing excess heat from rising up into the higher levels of your home.
• Purchase Energy Efficient Windows or Treatments
  • If you have a lot of windows throughout your home, you may have noticed that the indoor temperature can rise significantly due to the sun penetrating through the glass. Your air conditioner then has to kick into overdrive in order to combat the quick heat up in the afternoon. One way to battle this phenomenon is to invest in high quality window treatments, such as blinds or drapes.
• Seal up Cracks in Windows and Doors
  • You can save your unit some work by sealing up any drafts in windows and doors. These small openings might not seem like a big deal but they can let in a lot of warm air, increasing the inside temperature and requiring your A/C to switch on.