If you’re running a household, you know more than anyone the value of saving money on regular maintenance. These are things that you have to take care of — you can’t skimp out on ensuring that your oven is running correctly; nor can you ignore patches in your roof. The same goes for your heating and air conditioning systems — in fact, perhaps in an even greater way. Our heating and air conditioning units are important parts of our homes, and we need to make sure that they’re running as well as possible. That being said, things like having your HVAC ductwork inspected can be expensive. Unless, that is, you take a few steps to save money along the way. Before looking to change your heating and air conditioning service, you might want to think about how you can keep the services you need without overspending.
Maintenance: Keeping Your HVAC Unit Alive
Premature replacements of HVAC units are among the main reasons why we end up overspending on our heating and air conditioning services. There’s no doubt that HVAC units are expensive. But the fact is that you shouldn’t have to replace your unit as often as you likely are. Truthfully, proper maintenance can ensure an HVAC unit an average lifetime of 12 to 15 years. If you have your unit inspected — from HVAC ductwork to filters — your unit should last longer than it would if you neglected it. It’s simple logic; you spend a little each year, rather than spending a much larger amount on replacing a unit early.
Simple Maintenance: Doing What You Can At Home
There are many things that you’ll have to call an HVAC repairman to help with — everything from repairing HVAC ductwork to installing a new unit obviously needs to be handled by a professional. But there are things that you can do at home to keep your HVAC unit running properly, and that includes changing the filter. Typically, an HVAC unit needs to be replaced every three months. Not only is this good for your unit, but you as well; it helps you avoid dust, allergens, and dirt. A programmable thermostat that you can take care of on your own can save money as well. The average homeowner can save up to $180 a year through a programmable thermostat.
Saving Energy: How It Can Save Money Too
Let’s look at energy costs. Your energy bill is quite closely linked to your HVAC unit — an energy efficient system can cut your bills down in a dramatic way. An improperly installed HVAC unit can lead to major costs in terms of energy. Even something as seemingly harmless as a poorly ventilated attic can make energy costs rise, with a properly ventilated attic reducing HVAC energy costs by 10-12% per year.
Saving money on your HVAC unit doesn’t have to be hard. You simply have to think a little and be creative.