#1 Keep the Air Clean & Healthy
Believe it or not, the air around us is filthy. This causes your HVAC system to collect excessive amounts of debris every year. An accumulation of dirt and dust like this restricts proper home air circulation. The cleaner your HVAC system is then the better it can maintain your desired home temperature. For the best results, contact a professional HVAC technician to thoroughly evaluate and clean your HVAC system.
#2 Programmable Thermostats
Live better and smarter. Introducing the ultimate temperature maintenance tool. Instead of your HVAC system running all day, programmable thermostats allow you to set your home temperature at certain times throughout the day. Create a schedule that corresponds with your weekly routines and has your air conditioning automatically run when you want it to. Every family has its own chaotic schedule, but you can make the best choice with the wide range of available options to choose from.
#3 Identify Air Leaks
Purchasing a fresh new HVAC system to improve your home’s efficiency is always a good idea. But there are other steps you can take before investing in a complete overhaul. Over time, your home will wear down and develop cracks that can expose your home to the outside elements. Identifying the location of these air leaks can be difficult…until now! The following tricks will help you properly diagnose which areas pose as air leaks.
- Dollar Bill:
- If you are able to easily slip a dollar bill through a crack of a door or window then that area needs to be patched.
- Hold the dollar bill along with the suspected areas. If you notice the bill moving and fluttering then it’s because air is finding its way through.
- Flashlight: This procedure requires two people with each person standing on opposite sides of a closed door. One person will shine a light along the sides of the door while the other will determine if the rays from the flashlight can be seen from their point of view. Flashlight rays seen from the other side demonstrate undesired passageways of air drafts.
#4 Seal Your Home Tight
Once you’ve identified the air leaks, then its time to close the breach. Caulking and weather-stripping are solutions that will help your HVAC system maintain the comfortable room temperature and prevent cold air from invading your home. While both are designed to seal cracks and keep out the cold, they serve different purposes.
- Caulking: Caulking is used for doors and windows on areas that DO NOT move. If used on a moveable joint, the sealer will break and be useless. Caulking is meant to seal air leaks, cracks and smaller gaps that are less than a quarter-inch wide. Once the rubbery substance dries after 24 hours in the applied area, it makes a great sealer to prevent air drafts.
- Weather-Stripping: This product is best used to seal movable joints like door sweeps or window tracks. Once the strip is applied to the desired area, it will cover any air leaks as it compresses against the door.
#5 A Fresh Start
Determining whether your HVAC system has reached the end of the line? The average life expectancy of an HVAC unit is from 15-20 years. If your unit is well within the range then you might want to consider investing in a new system. New units will take time to break in but will ensure that your home feels cozy and comfortable, especially during the colder seasons. Make the right decision and contact a trained HVAC technician for a professional evaluation.
Here to Help
Struggling to stay warm? Contact us and schedule a maintenance appointment with us today. Our team of experienced HVAC technicians is here to make sure your HVAC system is working at your best.
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