HVAC Maintenance That Could Be Costing You Money
New year, new beginnings! The new year is a perfect time to develop better habits, resulting in a better lifestyle. Often the focus is a new diet or exercise plan, but today the focus is on developing habits that improve home ventilation for the new year. Making these changes can improve the indoor air quality in your home.
Consider making these HVAC Maintenance changes:
- Keep Doors Open. It is tempting to close unused rooms off during the winter, hoping to save energy and therefore money. The result is airflow restriction that hinders the furnace blower motor, creating stress on the whole system and reducing air movement, trapping stale air in unused rooms.
- Keep Registers Open. For the same reason, homeowners close supply vents in unused spaces, hoping to save money. HVAC systems are sized to the space specifications, to heat, cool, and move air moving for ventilation. Restricting airflow during the heating or cooling season is counterproductive and leads to poor indoor air quality.
- Keep Return Ducts Open. These are the ducts generally found on the wall instead of the floor. There are usually fewer return air ducts, but keeping them open and unobstructed is key to proper air movement. These ducts draw air into the furnace/air conditioner; if they become obstructed, airflow is severely restricted. Make sure furniture or drapes do not cover the openings.
- Keep the Thermostat On. Another mistake a homeowner might make is to turn the thermostat off while everyone is away as a cost-saving measure. However, the HVAC plays a vital ventilation task even when the house is vacant—it keeps the air fresh for occupants upon their return. A better option is to adjust the thermostat setting by 5 to 80 while the house is empty; the HVAC system will engage, but less frequently. This reduces the cost but keeps the air flowing properly.
- Keep the Air Filter Clean. Air filters remove +90% of airborne particles to keep the air fresh and clean. But eventually, enough dust and dirt accumulate on the filter to restrict airflow. Not only does this stress the HVAC system, but the filter will fail and allow dust particles to recirculate throughout the house. This is the #1 habit to develop to improve the air quality in your home.
- Keep Your System Maintained. Your HVAC system is finely tuned and needs care. It is an efficient mechanical system that adds safety, comfort, and value to your home. Imagine living without it for a while; this would not be a pleasant experience, whether winter or summer. An annual visit from an HVAC Maintenance professional will keep your system running longer, more efficiently, and improve your indoor air quality.
Keeping these good habits year-round might be easier than a diet or exercise program.
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