Maximizing HVAC Efficiency During Spring: A Guide
Spring is in the air. That means your home comfort needs may change from one day to the next. It also means pollen and a new set of indoor air quality challenges. These factors can make your HVAC system run less efficiently. Let’s talk about a few steps that you can take to come out ahead.
Schedule a Spring HVAC Maintenance Appointment
Have a technician inspect and clean your system before you need to crank up your AC. In fact, most HVAC warranties require regular maintenance. This step also helps you save money. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates regular HVAC maintenance reduces average energy costs by 15%.
Preventative maintenance also minimizes wear and tear, resulting in longer equipment lifespans. A tune-up involves lubricating moving parts and tightening and testing electrical components. Your technician will also swap out your HVAC supply filters. Lastly, they will also calibrate the thermostat and ensure optimal static air pressure.
Swap Out HVAC Filters on a Regular Basis
HVAC tune-up services usually include filter replacement. Most homes have one supply vent with a filter. Larger homes may have two or more. Replacing these once each season is the bare minimum. Households with children and pets may need to swap filters out more often. Allergy and asthma sufferers may also want to swap them out more frequently as a preventative measure. We recommend checking them each month and replacing them when there is visible accumulation.
Have Your Ducts Cleaned
Dust accumulates in your ducts, particularly in winter and summer. This dust does not just contribute to odors and reduced indoor air quality. It can also make your HVAC system less efficient through grime buildup on equipment and reduced static air pressure. How often you need to clean your ducts depends on your home and HVAC system. Most experts recommend professional duct cleaning once every several years. For years you don’t clean your ducts, dust your return grilles and open them up to dust inside as far as you can reach.
Benefit From a Programmable Thermostat
The EPA estimates that a programmable thermostat can save the average home 15% in annual energy costs. The savings can be particularly noticeable at a time like spring when temperatures and humidity fluctuate widely. With a programmable thermostat, you simply need to set an ideal temperature and humidity level, and the system will adjust as needed. Modern smart thermostats can adjust in a way that optimizes efficiency. You can increase AC efficiency even more by running at a higher temperature while away from home.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
In spring, many homeowners like to open the windows and let the fresh air in. This isn’t possible every day, and for allergy sufferers, it may not be possible at all. During spring, turn your HVAC blower on to circulate air throughout the home. If you do this frequently and for long periods, you may want to upgrade to a mechanical ventilation system. Mechanical ventilation can make your system more efficient and provide even more savings in fall and winter.
Use an Air Purifier
Air purifiers allow for fresh air with all the windows and doors closed, reducing indoor air pollution. They also minimize dust in your home and thus protect your HVAC filters and equipment.
Use a Dehumidifier
A whole-house dehumidifier increases HVAC efficiency by removing moisture from the air to achieve your ideal comfort. One benefit of this is that the air conditioner does not have to work as hard to cool your home. Although a dehumidifier may raise energy usage some, there are net benefits. In addition, it helps to save wear and tear and reduce the total cost of ownership.
Spring HVAC Maintenance in Belleville
It’s time for your spring HVAC tune-up, and BELOMAN is the company to call. We have provided seasonal HVAC maintenance in Belleville and the surrounding areas for over 65 years. Our technicians also install all ductless and ducted cooling and heating systems. We clean ducts and install air scrubbers and UV lamps. Our team includes plumbers who clean drains and install fixtures, water heaters, sump pumps, garbage disposals, and much more. If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions, call BELOMAN today or contact us online.
