Five Ways To Enjoy A More Comfortable Home In 2019
Now that 2019 has arrived, you should be thinking of ways to get the most from your HVAC system in the New Year. Think of it as incorporating a healthy HVAC system into your list of 2019 New Year’s resolutions.
When you think about it, an HVAC system that runs appropriately and offers you the required comfort level for your home is essential. The condition of the system not only impacts your indoor air quality but also plays a significant role in how much your energy costs in the long run.
For these and other reasons, it is well worth the effort to make sure that your HVAC system is cared for properly. Nevertheless, most consumers, if they are honest, admit that they often neglect their cooling and heating system until problems arise.
Jim Thorpe HVAC Companies: Five HVAC Resolutions For The New Year
Whether you need to invest in a brand-new HVAC system or simply maintain the one you have, the five HVAC New Year’s resolutions outlined below are a good place to begin:
Replace Your HVAC Filters In A Timely Manner
Your system’s air filter should be replaced regularly to avoid specific problems. Some of these issues include short cycling, general breakdowns, overloading the HVAC system, and poor indoor air quality.
HVAC experts state that replacing the air filter in the unit at least once every 30 days during summer and winter is your best course of action. This frequency is particularly important if your HVAC system runs constantly. When temperatures are mild, such as in the spring and the fall, the unit’s air filter can be replaced every 90 days. However, it is always wise to check the filters each month just to be sure.
To make sure you remember this task throughout the New Year, you should select a specific date and change or check your system’s air filter each month on that date. By doing so, your indoor air quality will improve. Completing this task will also prevent unwanted breakdowns in certain instances, as well as lower your energy bills and help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Schedule Tune-ups & Preventative Maintenance For Your Heating & Cooling System
Thinking ahead is also an important New Year’s resolution with regard to your HVAC system. For instance, to lessen the chances of a breakdown when you most need your HVAC system to work, you should schedule preventative maintenance. It is always wise to do so before the heating or cooling season begins.
General preventative maintenance checks involve things such as making necessary repairs, testing the unit’s safety controls, lubricating moving parts and checking fluid levels.
In addition to scheduling a tune-up, if 2019 is the year you have chosen to upgrade your HVAC system, you should schedule this during the off-season. This will help you obtain a lower price for the system update. It will also make the installation process more convenient and give you more time to consider all your options.
Consider Replacing Your Outdated HVAC Unit
Generally speaking, heating and cooling systems are built to last for approximately 15 years. This means that if your unit is older than this, a newer model should be installed. This is crucial, as the efficiency of such systems usually decreases after the 15 years. Additionally, older systems are more expensive to operate and tend to break down more often than newer units. You may also be interested to know that according to the DOE, an Energy Star certified system can lower your energy costs by approximately 30 percent.
Opt For A Smart Thermostat In 2019
An energy-efficient smart thermostat is a much better option than a manual device. The reduction of energy costs alone makes upgrading to this type of thermostat a great 2019 New Year’s resolution. Programmable thermostats allow you to program your heating cooling on a schedule, which eliminates the need to adjust these settings manually.
For example, the DOE recommends setting your thermostat 10 to 15° lower during winter when your home is unoccupied. They subsequently recommend setting it 5 to 8° higher when it is unoccupied during summer.
Doing this simple task cuts your yearly utility costs by approximately $180 annually.
Another benefit of a modern thermostat is that you can control the smart thermostat through your home’s Wi-Fi network. Such devices also offer energy usage data that you can refer to make sure your HVAC system is operating appropriately.
Add Cooling And Heating Zones In Your Home
If you want to be able to adjust temperatures differently from one room to the next, hire a qualified HVAC professional to add zones to your system. The contractor will connect the dampers to various electrical sensors, which allow you to set temperatures in each room. You may also wish to inquire about ductless cooling and heating systems. This option allows you to have a comfortable temperature in every room in your home, as well as save money on your heating and cooling bills.
Conclusion
Use the five HVAC New Year’s resolutions listed above to ensure 2019 is a great year for your HVAC system. Keep it running efficiently and smoothly by utilizing these tips.
R.F. Ohl is a reliable HVAC company that provides reasonably priced heating and cooling system services. Our NATE-certified contractors are committed to doing top-quality work in your home. Give R.F. Ohl a call today to schedule a free, in-home estimate.
Some of the areas we service include Bowmanstown, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Summit Hill, and these zip codes: 18030, 18229, 18235, 18250 as well as all surrounding areas in Carbon County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Schuylkill County.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.