Making sure that your Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) system is working optimally is important – especially when you live in Jacksonville! If your air conditioning is struggling to work, that means a strain on your system, higher utility bills, compromised indoor air quality and major discomfort. But with a few simple HVAC hacks, you can remain comfortable no matter how temperatures outside fluctuate. Here are some HVAC tips any homeowner can do easily:
- Change your filters: By trapping pollen, dust, and mold spores before they get on your tables and other household surfaces, your filters work hard to keep the air clean in your home. But the more particles that remain trapped in the filter, they harder your HVAC system has to work. This means more energy needed to function, more wear and tear, and higher energy bills. Change your filter about once every month, or more depending on clogged they are.
- Clear your ductwork and registers: They may not be on your radar, but over time, your ducts and registers can collect dust and other debris, which can affect the flow of air throughout your home. About once every six months, remove a few registers to check the amount of accumulation. You should get your ducts cleaned about once every three years, but if someone has allergies, you have pets, there have been renovations, or if dust has accumulated, you may want your ducts cleaned more frequently.
- Keep your registers open: Many people do it – they close registers in the rooms that they don’t use often. The theory is that the HVAC system will allow more cool air into the areas that are used more frequently, therefore being more energy efficient. However, this can actually cause undue strain on your HVAC system. So while closing some registers is a good idea, it is recommended that you don’t close more than 20% of your household registers.
- Keep your carbon monoxide detectors running: This tip may seem a bit out of place, but it actually isn’t. Your detector is supposed to let you know if there is a certain – potentially harmful – level of carbon monoxide in your home. Not only is this meant to keep you and your family out of harm’s way, but it also indicates possible problems with your system. Replace the batteries regularly and test it often.
- Notice anything wrong?: Like all equipment, nothing ever functions perfectly all the time. If you hear any unusual noises, such as clanking, or smell anything strange odors, then chances are,your HVAC system isn’t working as it should be.
- Schedule a service appointment: If it has been a while or if you think there could be an issue, schedule a maintenance appointment with an HVAC professional. They can review the health of your system, give advice about your specific system, and address any issues that may be affecting its ability to function as efficiently as it could be.
If you want additional HVAC tips or want to schedule a maintenance check, call the experts at Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric. No matter the size, age, or make of your HVAC system, we can help you keep it running efficiently even when temperatures soar. Contact us today to schedule inspections or maintenance.
