As the colder weather sets in for the year, many homeowners are turning up the thermostat to keep their families warm. It is important to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but it is common for homeowners to start worrying about the utility costs when the heater is running. Here we will discuss simple tricks to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Just because you are using the HVAC system each day, doesn’t mean that you need to spend a lot of money on utility bills. Use these simple tricks to boost the efficiency of your HVAC system so that you can save your hard-earned money for fun holiday activities with the family instead:
Scheduled Replacement of the Air Filters
How often do you change out the air filters in your furnace? It is easy to forget about this task if you don’t have a scheduled time marked on the calendar. If the air filters are dirty, then they can have a negative effect on the quality and efficiency of the HVAC system.
The furnace is a mechanical system, so it is essential to stay proactive to prevent debris and buildup in the moving parts. Check the owner’s manual or talk to your HVAC contractor for recommendations about when the air filters need to be replaced. Most systems need new air filters every 3 to 6 months.
Check the Vents
If the vents aren’t clear and open, then the HVAC system will be running nonstop trying to push air through your home. Check the vents in every room to find things that could potentially be blocking the vents. Common problems occur when furniture is placed over the vents to block airflow. Check both the outflow vents as well as the intake vent. If there is full airflow running through the system, then the heater and air conditioner will work efficiently to manage the temperature inside.
Also, make sure that the vents are clean. Sometimes, you can see dust and build-up on the surface of the vents. Use a vacuum hose and a damp rag to wipe them down. It can also be beneficial to bring in someone to clean the ducts once a year.
Duct Quality
Do your heater ducts have leaks and crevices where heat can escape before it reaches the vent? If the ducts aren’t sealed, then it has a negative impact on the efficiency of your heating system and it is running up your utility bill.
You can seal the ducts on your own, but a better solution is to hire a contractor to check the system for you. A professional will know where to identify the biggest leaks and the best way to seal up the problems quickly and easily.
At DUFFY Realty, we want to be sure that your new home is in the best condition possible. When you are buying a home, we will gladly provide contact information for contractors that can help with home repairs if needed. Call us today to learn more about finding a dream home for your family: (678) 318-1700
