Once I purchased my first home, I realized that I needed to do my part in caring for my home appliances. In addition to reading the user manuals for my kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art plumbing system, I realized that I also needed to do a little research about HVAC. Because I had no experience with HVAC systems, I called out a professional to teach me a thing or two. It was fascinating to talk with him, and I was able to take notes about all kinds of important topics, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and even shopping for a new system. This blog is all about understanding HVAC guidelines.
Understanding HVAC Guidelines
3 Surprising Ways To Maintain Your Central AC System
Marilou Girard
As temperatures begin to rise outdoors, you will want the temperatures to decrease indoors. A central air conditioning system is your best option for properly cooling your home during the warmer seasons. Unfortunately, most homeowners are not familiar with how to maintain or operate their cooling system. Improper use and insufficient maintenance leads to many issues. Because a poorly maintained system can cause a decrease in your family's comfort, an increase in your home's energy bills, high humidity levels and even a noticeable allergy problem, ensuring your cooling stem is in proper working condition is imperative. Thankfully, help is available. Here are a few tips to reduce stress on your air conditioning system to maintain its function and efficiency.
Change System's Filters
You may be surprised to learn that a simple filter can affect the system's ability to cool properly. Throughout the conditioning process, air is moved through the duct work into the system's registers and vents. Before it does flow through into your home, it must move through a filter, which traps dirt, dust, debris, and allergens.
Over time, the debris will build up in the filter, eventually clogging it to a point where air is unable to flow through freely. This affects the home's ability to reach your desired temperature, causing your system to run longer and harder to cool the home. The longer your system runs, the more stress it goes through. Therefore, clogged filters will decrease your air conditioner's ability to cool in the most effective and energy-efficient manner possible.
Experts recommend checking and changing your filter at least every three months. However, if you smoke in the house, have pets, or have a family member with allergies, consider replacing the filters once a month.
Program Thermostats
Operating a thermostat may seem simple, but many homeowners struggle with using their thermostats in a way that maintains their air conditioning system.
A programmable thermostat allows you to cool your home only when necessary, so you have the option of maintaining a warmer temperature in the summer when you are not actually home.
Set your thermostat at a higher temperature when you will not be in the home. By running your air conditioning less, you will reduce cooling costs. In addition, running the system less will reduce the strain on your system, helping it function longer and more effectively.
Fan Attics
Your attic may be used solely for storing belongings, but this unconditioned space can be a key area for air loss and energy waste.
As temperatures rise outdoors, the temperatures rise in your attic because it is not a conditioned space. This heat, even though it is mainly located in the attic, affects the entire home, causing your air conditioner to run harder and longer in an attempt to cool the home.
Installing fans in your attic may seem unnecessary, but they are excellent option for decreasing the heat and reducing the moisture content left behind by the excess heat in the attic. Fortunately, you do not have to use traditional fans that plug into outlets to work. Solar attic fans are becoming more and more popular.
Installed into your actual roof and powered by the sun, the solar fans cool off this unconditioned space while circulating air to reduce moisture and humidity. This decreases strain on your cooling system, reducing the temperature inside the attic, and protects your attic and roof from moisture damage and potential mold growth.
Maintaining your cooling system does not have to be a stressful ordeal. This guide will teach you a few surprising ways to reduce stress, increase its lifespan, and improve the overall energy efficiency of your central air conditioner system. To learn more, contact a company like Custom Heating & Air Conditioning LLC.
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