3 Ways To Improve the Home’s Cooling and Heating System This Year!
As 2022 gets underway, it’s a good bet that most people’s lists of new year’s resolutions don’t include any mention of their HVAC systems. But there are plenty of reasons they should. Committing to a few key improvements can make a world of difference in terms of the home’s heating and cooling system’s efficiency, performance, and longevity. And since homeowners often find themselves shelling out hard-earned cash for avoidable repairs, inflated energy bills, and premature AC or heater replacement, these small changes are well worth making. So keep reading for three easy ways to improve the state of the home’s HVAC system this year!
Keep the Thermostat At the Right Temperature
One way for homeowners to boost their HVAC system’s efficiency and reduce wear and tear on their unit is to find a good temperature setting and keep it fairly consistent. Constantly adjusting the thermostat will cause the unit to turn on and off frequently, consuming more energy and putting undue strain on the unit.
The Department of Energy recommends keeping the home at around 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer for maximum efficiency. This may not work for everyone, but it’s a good guideline. It also helps to adjust the thermostat up or down several degrees when no one is home, to avoid wasting energy heating or cooling an empty house. In most cases, this is as easy as a thermostat replacement – upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat makes it a breeze to create a custom schedule that fits the specific household’s needs.
Have the System Serviced Twice a Year
Another way for homeowners to improve their heating and cooling systems is to have them serviced by a professional every 6 months – air conditioning maintenance in the spring and heating maintenance in the fall. This will help ensure that the system is ready to handle the extremes of summer and winter and is necessary whether the home uses a separate AC and furnace or a heat pump system that handles both the heating and cooling.
A lack of proper maintenance is the number one cause of most HVAC problems and breakdowns, so this is arguably the most important thing homeowners can do for their heating and cooling systems. More and more companies offer maintenance programs to help homeowners keep up with the service requirements of their systems.
Remember To Change the Filter On Time
Staying on top of routine maintenance also means changing the system’s air filter(s) on time. Heater or AC filter replacement is often included in a professional service call, but this is one task that needs to be done more frequently. Fortunately, in most cases, it’s also very easy, straightforward, and only takes a few minutes. The hard part is remembering to do it!
The ideal filter replacement schedule largely depends on the individual home (things like the number of pets, the level of dirt that gets tracked in, and the health needs of the occupants should be factored in), but a good baseline figure is every 2-3 months. Clean filters are essential for maintaining high indoor air quality and the overall health of the HVAC system, so it’s a good idea to set reminders that one can’t ignore!
About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
For years, Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has been Santa Fe’s trusted home services resource. They offer maintenance programs, 24/7 emergency service, and financing. They also back every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so homeowners know they’re in good hands when they call Daniels for heating maintenance in Santa Fe, NM!
