The best HVAC system in the world won’t work as well as it could if you aren’t using it properly. Here are some smart tips to help you get the most out of your HVAC system.
Use a local search engine such as Google to promote your HVAC services to customers in need of repairs or maintenance. Include your website address, positive client reviews and photos to attract customers.
1. Change the Air Filter Regularly
Changing your HVAC filter is one of the simplest things you can do to improve your home’s air quality and extend the life of your system. It’s also an easy way to save energy. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder to keep your home cool, which can lead to premature wear and tear.
In addition, dirty filters don’t do their job of catching dust mite allergens and other pollutants. When these contaminants get recirculated in your home, they can trigger allergies and other respiratory problems. You’ll also find that your HVAC equipment will need to run more frequently to overcome the restrictions caused by clogged filters, which can result in higher utility bills and repair costs.
Most homeowners change their filters at least every three months, but the exact frequency depends on several factors, including household size, whether you have pets, and how often you travel. You should also make sure that you’re using filters with a MERV rating of 6 or higher. This will help your system avoid overheating and extend its lifespan.
To change your filter, first turn off the HVAC system. Then locate the filter. It may be in a vent that draws air from your home back into the HVAC system, or it might be located in a ceiling or wall with a grille covering it. You may also find a filter slot on the front of your HVAC unit or in a filter-housing box in a closet, basement, or attic.
Once you’ve found the filter, remove it. Be careful not to disturb the layer of dirt that covers it, but it should slide out easily. Once you’ve removed the old filter, put a new one in place and replace the cover or grille over it. Make sure to note the date when you changed it so you’ll be reminded when to check it again.
If you feel comfortable locating and changing your filter, there’s no need to call a professional, Van Deventer says. However, if the filter is in a hard-to-reach location, such as on a high ceiling, you might feel more comfortable having a pro do it.
2. Create Zones in Your Home
Creating different zones in your home or office will improve how you use the space and how you interact with it. Zones can help direct house traffic, create privacy, designate areas for different activities and more. A zoning system uses various add-ons to your HVAC system that can target airflow and heating or cooling to a specific area of the room. They can include things like dampers that limit airflow in one part of a room, ductless systems that pump cool or warm air into a single area and more. An HVAC professional can help you determine which zone add-ons are the best fit for your home.
Zones in your home can also help you get more organized, ensuring that everything has a place and that it stays there. You can create zones for items based on their function, such as arts and crafts, stationery, laundry and cleaning products, household documents and outdoor accessories. You can even create zones based on location within the home, such as the entryway to your house where you might want to put a console table with an umbrella stand and a basket for keys and cell phones.
Aside from the organizational benefits, zoning your home can help you cut down on energy usage in the winter, because you won’t be heating rooms that aren’t being used. You can control the temperature of each zone independently, so you can heat bedrooms and living areas while limiting heating to hallways and other unused spaces.
Zoning is particularly effective in homes with multi-story layouts, where bedrooms are located upstairs and are prone to getting too hot due to the fact that heat rises. By separating these spaces into distinct zones, you can ensure that your family’s sleeping needs are met without overheating the entire upper floor of the home. You can also set temperatures for each zone based on your individual comfort preferences, so you’ll always be able to find the perfect thermostat setting for your home. This is a great way to keep everyone happy in your home this winter.
3. Keep the Humidity in Your Home at an Ideal Level
Keeping the humidity in your home at the right level will improve your comfort and help prevent damage. Humidity is determined by the temperature and season. Hot, summer air holds more moisture than colder winter air does. The ideal range for indoor humidity is 30-50%.
High humidity levels make you feel sticky and uncomfortable. It also promotes mold growth and can cause respiratory issues for people with asthma or allergies. Moreover, high indoor humidity makes it hard for your HVAC system to cool your house efficiently. It’s essential to control humidity by using a dehumidifier and humidifier or making the necessary adjustments to your thermostat.
On the other hand, low humidity causes problems in the form of dry skin, a itchy throat and nose. It can also lead to wood furniture and flooring cracking or warping over time. Low indoor humidity can also promote the buildup of static electricity, which can be damaging to electronics.
To lower your humidity level, clean your vents regularly. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove dust from both your supply and return vents. Doing this will prevent the accumulation of dirt, which will affect your home’s airflow and energy usage.
Another way to reduce the humidity level in your home is to invest in a new HVAC system. Newer models of heating and cooling systems are designed to regulate both temperature and humidity levels, reducing energy usage and saving you money in the long run. Talk to your HVAC partner to find out more about upgrading your heating and cooling system.
4. Install Fans in Your Home
If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, consider adding fans. Ceiling fans can significantly reduce your reliance on your HVAC system, which can save you money and reduce your environmental impact. Fans also operate much more quietly than air conditioners or heat pumps. In fact, you can get a fan with a DC motor that creates even less noise than those with an AC motor.
In addition to reducing your HVAC usage, whole house fans can help with indoor air quality issues. These fans can remove pollutants like mildew, mold, and toxins from the air, which helps protect your family’s health. This is especially important in areas where these pollutants are common.
You can install a ceiling fan in your home yourself or hire an electrician to do it for you. Make sure that the power to the circuit you’re working on is off before beginning the project, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting your new fixture. If your fan includes a lighting kit, be sure to follow the instructions for wiring it as well.
You can even find a fixture that incorporates a light and fan, which can eliminate the need to add a separate light switch. This can further reduce your electrical expenses. Be sure to look for models that are energy-efficient and include a warranty. These features can help you to make the most of your investment in a new ceiling fan.