Staying Warm All Winter Long
As winter approaches, it's essential to take steps to ensure that your home's HVAC system is operating as efficiently as possible. The last thing you want is for you and your family to be uncomfortable during the colder months! Here are a few tips to help you keep your unit running at its best.
Replace Air Filters
Make sure the filters are clean and replaced regularly. Dirty filters can reduce airflow and cause the unit to work harder than necessary, resulting in decreased efficiency and higher energy costs. Dirty filters can also affect your air quality, which can have an impact on your health overall. It's best to regularly change your air filters for your unit's and your health's sake.
Reduce Humidity
High humidity levels can lead to increased cooling costs, as the air conditioner needs to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. To reduce humidity, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner, and make sure to keep the unit's drain pan clean.
Clean the Area Around Your Unit
Keep the area around the HVAC unit free of obstructions. Blocking the vents will impede airflow and cause the unit to run hotter than necessary, leading to increased energy usage. It's also important to remove any debris or leaves that may have accumulated, as this can interfere with the unit's operation.
Check and Seal Leaks
Check for leaks around doors and windows, and seal any cracks or gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. Leaky windows or doors can allow warm air to escape from your home, causing the HVAC unit to work harder than necessary and increasing your energy bill.
Hold a lit incense stick or something that produces smoke around windows and doors to tell if there is a leak in your home. If the smoke is drawn in or blown outwards, a leak needs to be addressed.
Minimize Thermostat Use
During the colder months, it's common to see disagreements over what temperature the thermostat is set at. Whether people say what they think about the temperature or manually adjust it, your thermostat may get an extra workout during the winter. However, there are more efficient practices than this.
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and only adjust it once or twice daily. Every time you change the thermostat, you're causing the unit to work harder, which can lead to decreased efficiency and higher energy costs. So stick to a comfortable temperature, and your winter HVAC bills should remain low.
Unblock Vents
It is tempting to close the vents in unused rooms to allow occupied rooms to experience greater warmth, but this practice is inefficient for your home or your heating bill. Blocking vents increases air pressure in the system, making it work harder to keep your home warm and reducing efficiency. So make sure all of your vents are unblocked for wintertime efficiency.
Regularly Service Your Unit
Get your HVAC unit regularly serviced by a qualified technician. A regular tune-up can help ensure that the unit runs as efficiently as possible and can help catch any potential problems before they become more significant.
Call the Professionals
By considering these winter HVAC tips, you can help keep your unit running efficiently and save on energy costs. A little maintenance and attention to detail can go a long way toward increasing the efficiency of your home's HVAC system.
If you want to ensure your unit is prepared for the cooler weather, call the HVAC experts at DG Heating & Air Conditioning. We can ensure your home is ready for winter and that you and your loved ones will experience comfortable temperatures all season long!
Call us at (408) 669-3496 or visit us online today to get started.