Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Common Heating And Air Conditioning Issues That Reduce Efficiency


Heating and air systems are some of the most expensive in the home. Without the right maintenance and upkeep, chances are good that you will end up paying significantly more for keeping your home at the temperature that is right for your needs. If you have not done so in a while, look at the costs for your HVAC systems. Are you able to improve efficiency overall with repairs or updates to it? You may be surprised that there is so much that you can do to improve the level of efficiency overall.

Consider What You Can Do

In many cases, your heating and air systems will work far more efficiently if you maintain them properly. If you have the owner's guide, you will clearly be able to determine what steps you need to take, and how often you must take them, by reading the planned maintenance section. If not, you may be able to find the guide online. You can do things to increase the efficiency in either case.

For example, it is a good idea to clean filters every month while the system is being used. It is also a good idea to clean any vents throughout the home to remove dust buildup. Ensure outdoor condensers are free from any type of debris.

What a Technician Can Do

For those with significant loss of efficiency and very high energy bills compared to what their neighbors are paying, it may be time to call a technician out to the home to inspect and update the HVAC system. He or she may be able to improve the efficiency of the motor and the ductwork, as well as the function of the condensers. Additionally, this professional can give you advice on whether or not you need to consider upgrading to a more modern system. That can often make a big difference in systems that are over ten years of age.

Energy Audit

To save even more money, have a technician perform an energy audit on your home. He or she will determine if your home is efficient and, if not, where the potential problems are. This could be in a lack of insulation, leaking or old windows, and concerns with the age of your HVAC system. It is a good idea to discuss any areas where the problem is worse, such as the attic, and determine what needs to be done to ensure efficiency there.

Heating and air professionals are the go-to solution when it comes to determining why your system is not working the way it should be. Do not put off getting the type of help you need. After all, you are spending too much on your energy bills.

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