As the primary source of comfort during the hot summer months, your HVAC unit is the biggest consumer of energy in your home. Taking care of your system not only lowers your electric bill, but it increases its lifespan and overall efficiency.

Follow our HVAC tips to keep your system in top shape.

1. Replace Filters

When using a less expensive fiberglass filter, it’s suggested to replace every 30 days and more expensive pleated filters every six months.

If there are pets or if anyone living in the home has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, it’s suggested that filters be changed more frequently. Not only does it improve air quality in the home but regularly changing your unit’s filters keeps your system running efficiently.

Problems resulting from unchanged, dirty filters include:

  • Airflow reduction causing fans to work hard and wear out sooner.
  • System malfunctions and damage to equipment.
  • A buildup of contaminants in the duct system.
  • Higher electric bills due to your system working harder and using up more energy.

2. Keep Vents Clear

For the highest level of efficiency, leave your vents open and make sure nothing is obstructing the airflow. Contrary to popular belief, closing-off vents to unused rooms does more harm than good. Doing this only stops energy from entering that room, not from circulating throughout the rest of the house.

A closed or blocked vent creates pressure. Added pressure on your HVAC system can cause air leaks, energy waste, and it shortens your system’s lifespan. When there’s a leak in the system, more energy is used to keep your home at the desired temperature.

3. Use Fans

Spring, the end of summer, and the beginning of autumn are the best times to use standing or ceiling fans. Fans keep the air circulating through your home, creating a wind chill effect. Wind chill is the cooling effect of wind on the skin by evaporating sweat and carrying heat away from the body.

On hot days, try using a fan in unison with your HVAC unit. Set your thermostat at a higher temperature than you normally would and turn on some ceiling fans.

4. Check the Thermostat

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day saves 10% a year on heating and cooling. Not only does this save you money on your electric bill but it improves the efficiency of your unit and increases its lifespan.

5. Keep Up With Professional Maintenace

Repairing or replacing an HVAC unit isn’t cheap. It’s important to have regular, professional maintenance, not only when there’s a problem with your HVAC.

A maintenance call can stop problems before they happen, increase system efficiency, and increase the lifespan.

HVAC Tips From the Pros

Applying these HVAC tips will add years onto the lifespan of your system, increase its overall efficiency, and lower your energy bills.

If you need an HVAC tune-up or repair in the Longview, Texas area, schedule a service call with Alco Air, Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing.