Improving the efficiency of your HVAC unit can lead to decreased heating and cooling costs. By changing your air filter regularly and using a programmable thermostat, you can increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit in your Sarasota, Florida, home.
Routine maintenance will keep your HVAC unit working efficiently. When each part is in good working condition, the entire unit will work better. When life gets busy, it can be easy to put off routine maintenance, especially when your unit seems to be working fine. Signing up for a maintenance plan is a great way to keep up with your unit’s required maintenance.
Routine maintenance also includes HVAC-specific tasks that you can complete to help your unit work more efficiently. It is important to keep the outside unit clean and free of any debris. Additionally, the interior unit should be dusted and cleaned regularly.
In order for your HVAC unit to be efficient, the air needs to be able to freely flow through it. Over time, your air filter becomes clogged with dust and other debris that can block airflow and force your unit to work harder. Fortunately, this is an easy fix and simply requires that you regularly change your air filter.
On average, you should change your air filter every 90 days. But you may want to change it more often if you live in an area with high pollutant or allergen levels or you have pets in the household. You can also inspect the condition of your air filter if you are not sure if it is time to change it yet.
HVAC units tend to decrease in terms of efficiency after 10-15 years. Your unit may not work as well to heat and cool the home, and you might notice an increase in your monthly utility costs. Older, less efficient units also tend to break down more, leaving you with costly repairs and discomfort.
Upgrading your HVAC unit is one of the best ways to maximize efficiency. Newer HVAC units are designed with technologies that allow them to be more efficient. In fact, many newer units are designed to be nearly 100 percent efficient. This can translate to less energy used and significant cost savings, allowing you to recoup the cost of your new unit investment.
There are additional steps you can take to help your HVAC unit be efficient in its current state. For example, leaving the curtains open on a hot and sunny day can force the unit to work harder to effectively cool the house. Failing to properly insulate the home can force the heater to work harder in order to comfortably heat the whole home.
Additionally, using appliances like the stove and oven can increase the temperature of the home and make it more difficult to cool. While you do not need to avoid using your appliances, reducing use on especially hot days can help your HVAC unit.
It doesn’t matter how efficient your HVAC unit is if you are paying to heat or cool a home when no one is there. A programmable thermostat allows you to create a schedule that maintains a comfortable temperature when you are home and then adjusts the temperature to save energy and money when you are not. Many programmable thermostats even have the ability to adjust their temperature settings remotely. This means you can reduce or increase the temperature in your home even if you forget to adjust it before leaving your home.
Your HVAC unit should comfortably heat or cool your home in the most efficient way. Keeping up with routine maintenance and keeping outdoor units cleaned can help maximize their efficiencies. Additionally, you can block out sunlight and improve the insulation of your house to further improve your unit’s efficiency. Call us today at Arctic Air Services, Inc. at (941) 757-8282 to discuss additional ways you can improve your HVAC unit’s efficiency.
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