Residential HVAC—4 Money-Saving Self-Check Tips
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in your home, referred to as residential HVAC, is not necessarily something that is self-governing and maintenance-free. But before you call your serviceman, here are some tips that you can safely apply to keep your system running smoothly and ways to remediate various problems yourself.
1. Outside Unit Free of Debris
Always keep your outside unit free of bushes,
fencing and anything else that could obstruct proper airflow. While it’s true that these units don’t compliment anyone’s landscaping, you are urged not to camouflage your system with bushes planted too closely. However, allowing three to five feet of clearance would allow sufficient space for ease in airflow. Periodically check your unit to ensure the area surrounding it continues to be free and clear.
2. Coils Clean
Sometimes dirty coils in your outside unit can cause your heating and cooling to run sluggishly or not as efficiently. Hose the unit down to clean it of any dirt and other debris like cottonwood seeds and small leaves. You can even buy special residential HVAC unit cleansing spray at your local home improvement store that is specifically formulated for cleaning such coils.
3. Insulate Lines
A great proactive measure for ensuring the efficiency of your residential HVAC is to insulate the copper lines against the elements. You can easily identify these lines, as they are the copper tubing that connects your outside unit to the house. Any hardware or home improvement store will carry such insulators. They resemble swimming noodles and are easy to install.
4. Replace Filters
Regularly replacing your interior filters is an important way to keep your system operating at full capacity. Changing your filter when it becomes discolored from dust is not just an energy-saving task. It’s also a way to avoid extra allergens inside your home from circulating.
By practicing these tips and remaining mindful of regularly maintaining your system in this way, you will save money on energy bills as well as on professional servicing. Your system will also last longer given proper care and maintenance.
However, there are instances when you must call your residential HVAC serviceman. If your system isn’t running correctly even after you’ve taken the above measures then calling in the professionals is unavoidable. But take heart, oftentimes all the system needs is a charge, or a refill of freon to begin working like new and this service is not an expensive fix.
For additional information on your residential HVAC system, call your local heating and air serviceman today.
