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No matter what the weather is outside, one thing should remain a constant; your level of in-home comfort!
To maintain optimal comfort levels for your family as the seasons change, while simultaneously keeping your energy usage down…
Consider These Simple Steps
1. Keep Heat Out To Lower AC Bills
During the summer months, close blinds and curtains to keep away outdoor heat produced by natural sunlight. This simple action works exceptionally well at effectively blocking the sun’s rays. In turn, making your home easier to cool & preventing your air-conditioning system from running more often than necessary.
However, as cooler months approach it would be wise to take advantage of nature’s free energy by pulling back curtains and opening blinds to allow the sun to warm your home naturally.
2. Give Your Unit A Little Breathing Room
Take the time to go over the furniture placement in your home and ensure that the cooled air coming from your air conditioning vents is not being obstructed by furniture, draperies, or other household items such as pet crates, pet beds, toys, or toy boxes.
For more tips on how to lessen the strain on your HVAC unit click HERE
3. Don’t Touch That Thermostat!
Frequently changing your thermostat settings is not only a hassle, it’s a major energy waster too. Instead of constantly adjusting it yourself, consider adding a programmable thermostat to your home. Smart thermostats like the Honeywell VisionPRO 8000 take the worry out of remembering to adjust your in-home temperature, by allowing you to pre-program your unit to begin cooling based on when occupants are expected to be in the home and load needs increase.
When used properly, a programmable thermostat can save you money on your monthly utility bills. Freeing up additional funds each month by giving your wallet a break. For more information, you can check out the Air Dynamics article on the benefits of smart thermostats.
4. Have You Thought About The Attic Lately?
When is the last time you took a peek in that attic? Is the area properly insulated? All too often, many homeowners forget to check this area simply because it is less frequented or used simply for storage. Therefore, it is always prudent to take the time to evaluate for proper even insulation, ensuring that none of your hard-earned money is being used to keep the attic and crawl space comfortable.
5. Keep Your Energy Where It Belongs
If your entry door is damaged or old, you might literally be blowing your money away as precious cool air escapes around cracks and crevices. To prevent this, consider adding a draft blocker or replacing older doors. Check for and seal any leaks near windows, fireplaces, or doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
6. Give Your Unit A Little Love & Attention
One of the most important and by far simplest things you can do to maintain your unit is to replace your air filter when necessary. Knowing exactly when to change your air filter will depend on your lifestyle. Some things you should consider are whether or not you have any pets in the household, children, or family members who suffer from allergies or may have other lung-related health conditions such as asthma.
If you are a household that has pets or a family member who is sensitive to dust or other allergens consider changing your filters every 1-2 months. As a general rule, your unit’s filters should be changed every 90 days at a minimum in order to ensure your AC continues running its best.
7. Keep Your HVAC System Clean & Well Maintained
A few other things to keep in mind to help ensure your unit will last for years to come include making sure your outdoor unit:
- Has at least two feet of clearance on all sides from plants or debris.
- Is on a level surface.
- Is free of debris such as leaves, twigs, or pollen which could impede airflow.
- Receives regular seasonal maintenance
At Air Dynamics HVAC we do more than just a basic maintenance check-up. For more information on what is included in a maintenance visit with one of our Pro’s visit our Home Maintenance Plan page. Your unit will thank you!
8. Retire Old HVAC Equipment
Is your home’s heating or cooling equipment ten years or older?
If so, it just might be time to replace your HVAC unit with a newer more energy-efficient model. For help in determining if your unit is ready for a replacement, check out our page on Air Conditioning. There you will find helpful information in understanding various Warning Signs That You Need Air Conditioning Service/Repair. As well as how to determine whether or not you should repair or replace your AC unit.
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