4 Ways To Minimize Strain on Your HVAC System
Could you live in your home without your heating and cooling system? HVAC systems are important to homes because they help maintain indoor air quality and temperatures for the utmost comfort. However, overusing this system can increase your energy bill and strain the appliance. Minimize the strain on your HVAC system to ensure it runs efficiently.
Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters can prohibit airflow through your ductwork. When air doesn’t circulate within your home as it should, your HVAC system must work harder to maintain the air quality and temperature. You must replace these air filters once every one to three months to ensure maximum efficiency from your HVAC system. Replace the filters more often if someone in the family has allergies, there is a pet, or the climate is humid.
Cut Back on Usage
Do you really need to run your air conditioner when it’s only 70 degrees outside? We know the cool or hot air feels nice, but you should use your HVAC system only when necessary. If you can open your windows and let the outdoor air in on the cooler summer days, you can give your HVAC a break from constantly running.
This practice will allow the system to run more effectively when you need to use it on hot and humid days. You can also use this method for heating as well. In the fall, don’t turn on your heat until it’s absolutely necessary.
Seal Your Air Ducts
When the seals on your air ducts fail, air can escape or leak, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain itself. Sealing air ducts puts less strain on HVAC systems, and there are also several energy benefits to air sealing your home to boot. You can hire a service to test air leakage in your ductwork, but you must also clean the debris every three to five years to ensure nothing blocks airflow.
Consider a Programmable Thermostat
Setting your thermostat and leaving your air conditioner to run all day, even if you’re not home, is never the best practice because your HVAC system must work overtime. A programmable thermostat allows you to control the temperature at specific times throughout the day to put less strain on your HVAC system. For example, you might keep your home at 69 degrees during the day but allow your AC a break when you’re sleeping by changing the temperature at night.
Minimizing the strain on your HVAC system allows the appliance to run more efficiently for longer. While these systems last 10-25 years, how you use the appliance and other outside factors can affect how long it lasts. The more you optimize your HVAC by replacing air filters, reducing usage, sealing air ducts, and using a programmable thermostat, the longer this system will last.
