The HVAC system in your home is essential to keeping you and your family comfortable, but it can also be a big drain on your wallet. A poorly maintained HVAC system can cost you hundreds of dollars each year, and poor maintenance can even shorten the lifespan of your equipment.
If you want to keep your home or office comfortable and save money on energy bills, it’s important to make sure that your HVAC system is running at its best. Here are some bad habits that can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
1. Obstructing Airflow
When the airflow inside your home is restricted, it will reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. If objects are blocking the path of airflow, then there will be less room for cooler air to move through. This will cause the temperature inside your home to increase quickly and potentially cause damage to the HVAC system.
2. Neglecting Your Air Filters
HVAC system efficiency is directly related to the condition of your air filters. A dirty or clogged filter can reduce airflow and result in a higher energy bill. Regularly check your HVAC system for dirty air filters and replace them when necessary. The filters should be changed every one to three months or when they are dirty.
3. Incorrect Thermostat Use
Thermostats are designed to help regulate the temperature in your home so that you don’t have to worry about your personal comfort. Using this device thoughtlessly, however, can cause your energy bill to skyrocket because you’re constantly trying (and failing) to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all day long by unnecessarily overworking your HVAC equipment.
4. Closing Vents
Many people close off vents in unused rooms to save money, which puts a strain on the system because it means less air is circulating through the house. The result is that furnaces and air conditioners have a harder time doing their jobs well enough to keep your home at an ideal temperature. Instead of saving money, it ends up costing more.
5. Ignoring Preventative Maintenance
Regularly scheduled maintenance is one of the best ways to make sure that your heating and cooling systems are always running at their best. During these checkups, technicians will inspect all components of the system to ensure they’re working properly and performing as they should be. If there’s a problem, they can fix it before it becomes a big deal. Technicians will also clean and seal the system, ensuring that no air is escaping. This helps make your home more energy-efficient overall.
When you need HVAC service in Tallahassee, contact Payne Heating and Air for all your HVAC needs.
