2016 is well underway! Whether you’ve kept up with your health, fitness and financial goals from the beginning of the year or not, make sure you take steps to care of your HVAC system! Take a look at some HVAC changes that are sure to improve the comfort and efficiency of your home!
Schedule annual maintenance.
HVAC systems require regular maintenance to improve their performance and efficiency. So remember to schedule your AC tune-up in the spring and furnace tune-up in the fall to help avoid performance problems and breakdowns over the course of the year.
Change your air filter regularly.
Regularly changing your air filter is the most important maintenance task you can perform to improve air quality, prevent breakdowns, and enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system. Remember to check and/or change your filter every month— if it looks dirty and clogged, it’s time to be replaced.
Use your programmable thermostat.
If you aren’t making the most of your programmable thermostat, then make it a priority this year. Programmable thermostats lessen the demand for heating and cooling, easing the load on your HVAC system. You can save up to 15% a year on your heating bill by turning back your programmable thermostat 10° to 15° for 8 hours a day.
Have your ductwork inspected?
Everyday living habits generate dust, dander and other air pollutants that are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated into our indoor air. So if you haven’t done so in the past 5 years, then schedule a professional air-duct inspection with your HVAC technician to remove the debris your vacuum cleaner hose can’t reach.
Get a home energy audit.
A home energy audit is a great way to find out how much energy you’re using as well as the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system. Your Comfort Advisor will evaluate how well your HVAC equipment heats and cools your home and recommend any changes needed in your attic insulation or ventilation.
Consider system upgrades.
Replacing your old HVAC System is a big investment, but it’s also the biggest step you can take to improve your home’s comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. You can use this handy Energy Star checklist detailing tell-tale signs that it is time to replace your system with an Energy Star-approved system.