Did You Know
- The average 6 room home collects 40 pounds of dust per year.
- Air ducts have more germs than chicken coops.
- The Environmental Protection Agency claims that indoor air has been found to be up to 70% more polluted than outdoor air.A build up of 0.42 inches of dirt on a heating or cooling coil can result in an efficiency decrease of 21%.
Maintaining your HVAC system:
Heating is the biggest energy expense in most homes. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently and lasts longer, typically 15 to 20 years. It’s important to make sure you have the right sized equipment for your home.
Simple maintenance steps include checking your furnace filter monthly during heating season and cleaning or changing it as needed, dusting heat registers and keeping furniture away from them, as well as scheduling an annual furnace checkup.
Having your A/C serviced each season is important as well to provide maximum efficiency and maintain the correct refrigerant levels.
A system that is too large will cool or heat your house quickly, but you may not feel comfortable. That’s because it will satisfy the thermostat before it can adequately remove sufficient moisture from the air during the cooling mode, leaving you feeling sticky and humid. This could even lead to moisture and mold problems. And, the stress of short-cycling (too many starts and stops) will shorten the life of your equipment and increase your cooling and heating bills.
However, a system that is too small just cannot get the job done, especially in extreme weather conditions. The air conditioner will run constantly in the summer and the furnace will do the same in winter. A point to keep in mind though is that a correctly sized system isn’t just based on the size of the structure. Many factors go into determining the size of the system, including type of house and walls, type and size of windows, insulation, basement and attic conditions, house orientation, and so on.
Money Saving Tips:
Listed below are some suggestions you can use to save money on your utility bills and air conditioning equipment and service. For other answers to your questions concerning new products, energy efficiency ratings, savings on your utility bills, repair or replacement service, consult your comfort specialist at Air Repair Inc.
Setting the Thermostat:
The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.
Keep the Air Filter Clean:
The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Be sure to ask our experts at Air Repair Inc. where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use.
Keep Doors and Windows Closed:
Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result.
Keep vents and grilles unobstructed:
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system, providing more economical operation.
Avoid Excessive Use of Exhaust Fans:
Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.
Use the Auto Setting:
Generally, it is best to set your indoor fan to “auto.” This costs less and provides better humidity control in the summer.
Control Direct Sunlight:
Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the heating load.
Keep the Condenser Coil Clean:
The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil clean.
Insulate Air Ducts:
Be sure all air ducts are well-insulated. Ducts should also be sealed with a vapor barrier.
Keep An Air Tight House:
Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks.
Properly Vent Clothes Dryers:
Be sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that your clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit.
Keep Heat Away From the Thermostat:
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
We hope that these tips have been helpful as the cost of energy continues to rise. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a service call, please feel free to contact Air Repair Inc. at 972-625-1400.
