A Checklist for HVAC Efficiency

Monday, October 11th, 2021

Whether it’s 90°F outside and you’re blasting your air conditioner, or it’s a bitterly cold day in winter and you need your heating system to work flawlessly, there’s something these systems have in common. You want them to function as affordably as possible, right? Sure, affordability starts with the installation. You’ll want to work with a trained and experienced professional to ensure your home is matched with the right system, that system is properly sized, and it’s the most efficient for your specific home.

Beyond that, you might think there’s not much you can do to lower your monthly energy bills in regards to HVAC use. This just isn’t true, though. There’s actually plenty you can do! Read on as we go through a brief checklist on how you can improve HVAC efficiency and pay less on your utility bills each month.

Change the Air Filter

You know the air filter that comes standard with your HVAC systems?

“Sure,” you might be thinking, “What about it? It’s for my indoor air quality, right?”

Actually, this particular air filter is not in place to protect your indoor air quality. While it certainly helps, its purpose is to protect the internal components of your HVAC system from dust, dirt, and other debris that can get inside and damage the sensitive components. When this air filter gets too clogged up however, it restricts airflow going into the system. As a result, your HVAC system will be unlikely to reach the desired temperature on your thermostat as there’s not enough air going over the coils to do this.

This is going to mean that your HVAC system has to run longer–essentially “work harder–to do its job, and this is inefficient and costly.

Utilize Your Blinds and Curtains

Your blinds and curtains aren’t just good for aesthetic appeal or to keep light out (or bring light in). They also serve as extra insulation for your home, preventing heat transfer. This means that in the wintertime, it will keep your heater’s warmth inside, and during the summer it will keep the outdoor heat out. This is particularly notable for south-facing windows.

While you may not mind having your blinds open and letting the ambient heat from the sun in on a winter day, you’re going to notice that on a summer day, it will make your air conditioner turn on earlier than it really needs to, which means you’re using that cooling system inefficiently.

Schedule Professional Maintenance!

Maintenance allows our technicians to comprehensively clean, adjust, and inspect your HVAC systems. You should have a tune-up done on your air conditioner and heater once a year for each unit. A clean and properly adjusted system will work more efficiently.

Additionally, it’s during this service we will spot small wear and tear issues. Getting repairs on your schedule right away will help prevent a sudden breakdown (maintenance can actually help prevent up to 85% of the repairs an HVAC system might ever need).

For professional heating and air conditioning service in Orland Park, IL, contact Comfort First Heating and Cooling, Inc. today! 

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