Your HVAC system is a vital part of your Lake Forest, Illinois, home’s comfort system. Climate control keeps you and your family comfortable year round and can also help improve your home’s health. Getting the most out of these systems can not only help improve performance but ensure your home stays comfortable for all your family members. Here are five tips for getting the most out of your HVAC system.
Regular Maintenance
In order for your HVAC to work as well as it’s supposed to, all of its parts need to be in great shape. Many times, you may not know that there’s something off with your HVAC system. While there are some issues that have super obvious signs that an issue has come up, that isn’t always the case. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure that your HVAC system is performing like it’s supposed to be and at maximum efficiency. Reduced functionality can not only affect the comfort of your home but also lead to increased utility bills.
Even annual maintenance can make a huge difference. At each appointment, a technician will check everything from mechanical to electrical to chemical components of your system and make any adjustments necessary to keep your system functioning as it should.
Ensure Proper Sizing
Not all HVAC systems will work for every home. Before purchasing, an HVAC needs to be properly sized, to ensure it can handle the amount of work your home requires. If you’re moving into a new home, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC resized to double-check that the previous owners purchased the correct size. Units that are too large can lead to humid, uneven temperatures, while units that are too small can ratchet up utility bills and also create uneven temperatures.
Consider a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are one of the best ways to get the most out of your HVAC system. Whether you go with a traditional programmable or a smart thermostat, these systems can help you create a customized schedule for your family, that reduces HVAC use when you aren’t home, but ensures your house is climate controlled and comfortable when you return. This not only helps you save energy but also reduces wear and tear on your system and improves home comfort. Many can also be accessed via WiFi for remote control.
Clean, Correct Filters
Your HVAC’s filters are one of the best defenses against allergens and contaminants. It prevents these undesirable particles from entering your home’s airflow, helping to keep your family comfortable and healthy. However, if filters aren’t changed regularly, their ability to keep dust and dirt out of your air goes down. In addition, a clogged filter can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. It has to work harder than usual to pull air through a clogged filter, which increases energy consumption and leads to more wear and tear on your system.
Besides keeping your filters clean, picking the right size and MERV rating is also important for keeping your system running as it should. Your system should be clearly marked with the right size needed or you can check your owner’s manual. The wrong size can either prevent air from flowing or it can let too much air slip past the mesh, leading to increased pollutants in your air. MERV ratings indicate the thickness of the mesh: typical HVAC filters do great with around a 14 rating, but be sure to check your manual before purchasing.
Seal Leaks
Leaks can cause any number of problems with your HVAC system. Substantial leaks can reduce airflow in your home, making it seem like your HVAC isn’t performing correctly, and also increasing utility bills as your system fights to increase airflow in order to correct temperatures inside your home. After all, with most of the climate-controlled air leaking into your attic or crawlspace, the temperature in your home will appear irregular or at odds with your thermostat setting. Getting any leaks sealed up by a licensed technician can help get your home’s climate control back on track and improve overall HVAC performance.
If you have any concerns about your HVAC’s performance, call 847-388-0108 to set up an appointment with one of Ireland Heating & Air’s licensed HVAC technicians.
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