Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your home’s warmth, but it also brings along sweltering heat and humid weather that can make your home uncomfortable. The reliance on the HVAC system is higher during summers, creates higher utility bills, and can cause the system’s failure if not appropriately maintained. To avoid such headaches, here are some HVAC tips that you can follow to keep your home cool and efficient during summer.
Maintain your HVAC System
You must keep your HVAC system in excellent working condition to ensure it runs efficiently and keeps your home cool during the hot summer months. Schedule regular maintenance with a plumbing expert to ensure the system operates correctly. During maintenance, the plumber will inspect HVAC components such as ducts, thermostat, compressor, evaporator, and condenser, among others, and clean any dirt, debris, or mold to ensure efficient operation.
Change Filters and Ensure Adequate Airflow
Air filters play a crucial role in your HVAC system, helping in trapping pollutants and particulate matter within your home. Over time, the filter clogs with dirt and other debris, lowering the cooling capacity of your HVAC system. This clogged filter results in increased energy consumption and higher operating costs. To avoid such situations, change the filters before the onset of summer. Furthermore, ensure that the vents are free from any obstructions and ensure airflow by not blocking them with curtains or furniture.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the smartest decisions you can make to keep your home cool and efficient during summer. With a programmable thermostat, you can set a specific temperature during daytime and nighttime hours, and when you’re away, thus reducing energy usage and utility bills. Furthermore, invest in a smart thermostat that you can control using a smartphone application, allowing you to control the HVAC system remotely while away from home.
Ensure Proper Ductwork
Improper ductwork can cause your HVAC system to work less efficiently, which leads to higher utility bills and poor cooling within your home. Leaks, gaps, or misplaced ductwork can disrupt the airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder to compensate for the lost air. Professionals can check and seal your ducts, reducing this energy loss, improving efficiency, and helping to reduce the cooling costs.
Proper Insulation
Your home’s insulation plays a crucial role in ensuring that your home stays cool and comfortable during summer. Poorly insulated homes allow for unwanted heat to infiltrate your home, causing your HVAC system to work extra hard to maintain cooler temperatures. Ensure that your home is adequately insulated, including in the attic, walls, and windows. Proper insulation can help you save up to 40% on heating and cooling bills, meaning lower costs and a more comfortable home.
Ensure Adequate Outdoor Ventilation
Your HVAC system’s outdoor unit can become clogged with overgrowth, debris, and grasses in the summer months. Ensure that the outdoor unit is clean and unobstructed, allowing for proper ventilation. Furthermore, trim and cut any grass and other vegetation close to the outdoor unit, allowing adequate airflow and reducing the load on your HVAC system.
Try Zoning Your Home
Zoning your home involves dividing it into separate areas with different temperatures. This allows you to control temperatures in different rooms and reduce energy usage in areas that are not occupied. By zoning your home, you can save from 10% to 30% on your heating and cooling bills, which means more savings in your pocket.
Conclusion
Summer can be brutal, but following these HVAC tips and best practices will help you keep your home cool and efficient without breaking the bank. Ensure that your HVAC system is in excellent working condition, change air filters regularly, install programmable thermostats or smart thermostats, ensure proper ductwork, install a proper insulation system, ensure outdoor ventilation, and zone your home to match your comfort level, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Don’t forget to contact Ace Plumbing experts at (844) 711-1590 for any HVAC service, maintenance, or repair.
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