Every year, homeowners go to great lengths to maintain their household air systems, and for very good reasons. As the seasons change, both the air conditioner and heating system are of primary importance to the health and safety of their families. Additionally, proper care of an HVAC system can save a ton of money on a monthly basis. A good rule of thumb is that a well-functioning HVAC unit is one home appliance that won’t require costly repairs or replacement.
With that in mind, it’s important to know the basics regarding the proper care of your home’s HVAC system. Knowing when to schedule regular maintenance, how to purchase the right fuel sources, and what specific elements of the air conditioner and furnace directly affect the household’s budget are all crucial aspects of responsible air system use. Here, we will look at five important insights into HVAC systems that can save you a lot of money.
1. Homeowners can perform the basics.
When it comes to your home’s HVAC, one of the most important reasons to have your AC system in tuned up condition is quite simple: it isn’t a task that you can perform yourself. For safety reasons, a proper air conditioner tune-up should only be performed only by a professional HVAC technician.
However, there are many smaller, equally important tasks, that you can do yourself. For example, changing your air filters every two months, running both the air conditioning unit and heating system for a few minutes during the off-season, and scheduling ductwork and ventilation cleaning are all responsibilities every homeowner can handle. Keeping an eye on these basics can avert potentially expensive repairs.
2. Indoor air quality is very important.
Your family’s health and safety are directly linked to the indoor air quality of your home. Changing out your air filters every few months will remove debris, dust, and harmful allergens from your air circulation. If you or any family members suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illness, this is especially important.
Likewise, scheduling regular maintenance of your furnace or alternative heating system is of major importance, as technicians can spot dangerous cracks or gas leaks in the unit. When it comes to safety and financial savings, nothing beats preventive maintenance.
3. Energy efficiency can save you money.
Keep in mind that when you change your air filters and clean your ductwork, your HVAC unit then runs at peak efficiency. By not cranking the unit up to full blast for needed comfort, and by running the air conditioner less often, you’re making your house more energy-efficient in the long run. But consider the added benefit that you’ve also lowered your energy consumption and, ultimately, your monthly energy bill.
4. Always consider your thermostat’s condition.
As basic as it sounds, when an HVAC unit appears to have a potential problem, most homeowners will quickly assume that the issue is with the unit itself. However, it’s always a good idea to first check your home’s thermostat.
If your household’s temperature isn’t matching the thermostat’s read-out, it could be as simple as a connectivity problem between the two devices. Also, keep in mind that fixing your thermostat might be as simple as changing its batteries! This small problem could save you a fortune in unneeded HVAC repairs or replacements.
5. Regular maintenance is a great investment.
If a homeowner is truly looking to save money on their household’s energy use while increasing the cost-efficiency of their HVAC unit, then the single greatest investment is a regular maintenance plan. For a one-time annual fee, a licensed HVAC technician is always on-call for emergency service.
Additionally, such important tasks as HVAC tune-up, air filter change, duct, and vent cleaning, and safety inspections are all performed as part of the plan. A technician can help you increase your energy efficiency, as well, and make recommendations for future maintenance.
