Do you know that more than half of your monthly electric bill is made up of your HVAC system? That’s right. The most significant energy consumption of a typical American home is their air conditioning system. These are facts stated by a report done by the Department of Energy.
We all dream and envy those places with our preferred temperature. But before thinking of moving to California or Utah, you should know about the weather and the type of system you will need before calling AC installation services around Salt Lake City, Utah.
Whether you are in the icier East Coast or the arid Central area in the USA, you rely on your air conditioning system to keep you cozy. A poorly maintained system can break down easily or cost you more money. Here are a few things that you should check to maintain a functional HVAC system:
Choose The Right System
Air conditioning units have come far in design. Newer models offer a more compact design and use high-tech thermostat controls that are mostly automated. The temperature modulation also offer efficiency.
Generally speaking, old systems went out the window (both figuratively and literally) for quite some time but can still be seen operating in some places. Replacing them are the split type systems for both centralized and single unit use. If your HVAC system is 10-15 years old, you should consider replacing it with the latest, most cost-efficient system. It will cost a lot more than your old system, but the upfront payment lets you save more over time.
1. Thermostat
The latest HVAC thermostat system utilizes a programmable setting to adjust the temperature depending on how it is set. The Department of Energy estimates that a 10-15 degree increase or decrease over 8 hours makes you save 5-15% on your air conditioning cost.
If you do not want to manually adjust the setting every time, you can set the schedule for the temperature adjustment (higher or lower) automatically, and you need to remember to change it accordingly and keep it at a reasonable setting.
2. Filters
Clean filters make your system run efficiently by ensuring smooth airflow between vents. Some filters are built to last up to a year with regular cleaning. Remember to check and clean your filters at least once a month, and the best way to check them is to try to see the sunlight through them. The less light you see, the more cleaning it needs.
3. Coils
The outdoor unit of your system utilizes coils where warm air passes through. This also means sucking up dirt and debris that accumulates over time. Clean coils provide better cooling and heating. If you’re not comfortable taking them out and cleaning them with a vacuum, get professional help.
Check Your Ducts
During installation, you might recall the service guys moving around and checking how to set up the system. This is to ensure an optimized airflow, but the surroundings might have changed over time. You should check out the ducts or registers that you can access for debris and clear them out. While you’re at it, watch out for holes or gaps between your duct flow connections.
Most of the time, outdoor parts also need to be protected from the weather. Too much sunlight makes it hot, and it’s the same situation when it’s out there in the snow. The best way to save money is to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
