No matter where you live, summer is a harsh season. Is your HVAC system up to the task?
Better to find out now than when you’re in the thick of August and sweating buckets. Your air conditioner is a hardy piece of machinery that can warm up your home just as quickly as cool it off, a staple you would much rather not live without at any given point in time. That doesn’t mean it can’t succumb to good, old-fashioned wear and tear. Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping that clanking noise isn’t going to amount to anything dastardly, look below and learn about the ways you can keep your air conditioner working well without breaking your budget.
Did You Know?
Americans love their air conditioners. In fact, two-thirds of all households in the country boast an HVAC system. While some homes prefer to rely on a furnace or fireplace to heat up the home, air conditioners are widespread for their ability to heat and cool. This is even before we get into other benefits, such as clearing out the air and creating a better environment for those with allergies, sensitive constitutions or breathing problems. Whether you need an HVAC installation or a check-up, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got these basics covered.
Change Your Filters Out
Does your air quality seem worse every time you turn your air conditioning on? Are you noticing dust or dander kicking up more than usual? It’s possible you need to swap out your filters. Data provided by Energystar.gov found the majority of HVAC system filters need to be changed every one to three months to keep efficiency high and dirty air low. This is especially prudent to remember for spring, easily the worst season when it comes to runny noses and itchy eyes. But what about people who want to save money?
Buy A Programmable Thermostat
Nothing lasts forever. Soon autumn and winter will be right back on your doorstep, bringing with it chilly nights and frozen radiators. A programmable thermostat is an indispensable tool on your way to spend less on your energy bill each month, keenly taking note of the temperature in the air and making sure it doesn’t go past a certain threshold while you’re out shopping. Installing a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% or more on your monthly heating bills, which is all the better if you pair it with a new window installation or HVAC installation.
Install A New Model
Sometimes you just need to start over fresh with an HVAC installation. Air conditioners are built to last, but they’re not forever. The average expected lifespan of a furnace is around 20 years, though they tend to start showing signs of failure around 15. Too many American households still have air conditioning systems that are far too old, cranking up their energy bills while failing to deliver on even basic heating and cooling services. When you add up air flow problems reducing your HVAC’s efficiency by 15% or more, an HVAC installation may be just what the doctor ordered.
Contact Air Conditioner Services
When in doubt? Ask a pro. There’s no shame in admitting you’ve never changed your air conditioner’s filters before or just need some advice on a new model to buy. Furnaces given AFUE ratings between 90% and 95% are considered ‘high efficiency models’ and are designed to save energy while giving you fast, easy warmth. A new air conditioning system can be perfect for a household still struggling with an old model…or a quick maintenance visit can fix that duct leak and see you on your way on the same day. The only way to know what you need is to ask a commercial HVAC expert.
Keep summer a positive season by taking the initiative and reaching out to heating repair and cooling experts this month.