There are many options on the market when it comes to heating, but whatever you choose, regular maintenance is a commitment you can’t avoid. If you are using Air Conditioning to keep your home warm there are a few things you should know to ensure quality and consistency. Using HVAC myself I needed more information on how to keep the system up and running so I asked Action AC technicians for help. Here’s some useful information directly from the pros:
The best way to keep your home warm, and at the same time be energy efficient is to keep up the same temperature for as long as you can. Frequent jumps in temperature might not give results you’ve hoped for and it can only cause the system to spend more energy and affect your monthly bill. You can also consult a professional to help you determine the best temperature range for your unit and try to stay there.
This is probably the most important aspect of the regular HVAC maintenance. Clogged filters are harmful both to your health and the unit’s performance. You won’t be able to achieve desired temperatures, the unit would struggle to keep up, and you’d be breathing in dirty air. Depending on how much you use the air conditioning you should change air filters a few times a year, and especially before the start of a new heating or cooling season.
No heating system can overcome bad isolation, draft and leaks. No matter how high temperature you choose and for how long you keep your unit running, a persistent cold air circulation will hinder all your efforts to have a warm living space. This is why it is important to conduct a thorough investigation of your walls, doors and windows, and find if there are any leaks to be fixed. This way you will keep your home warm and save money.
It is also important to consider insulation. This one investment in insulation, especially regarding an older home, will save you a lot of money in the long run.
You don’t need to always keep the highest temperature. Save money and energy and set a temperature that’s going to make you feel comfortable without having to compromise. This doesn’t mean you should never crank it up a bit when needed, but be considerate.
If you have an old, analog thermostat you should consider getting a digital one because it allows you to have more control over temperatures even when you are not at home. For example, you went out, but you’d like to come back to a warm home. The programmable one will help you set a lower temperature to preserve a steady warmth level, and increase it later.
TIP: As compared to the other appliances HVAC systems consume the highest amount of energy. To increase heating and cooling energy efficiency under government backed ECO scheme grants are available for the eligible households. The central heating grant gives you access to a range of leading boiler and thermostatic radiator brands and to install in your home.This allows you to control the heating on each radiator, independently.
Make sure you use windows to your advantage. You should keep curtains and drapes open to allow more sunlight in. It might sound insignificant but it still counts. Also make sure you open windows in short periods to allow fresh air in, and don’t forget to close them at night.
All these steps are important, but to ensure your HVAC performs well and doesn’t break when you need it most, the best solution is to have it checked. You can schedule regular maintenance and have a professional over to look at your unit at least once a year. This is a good investment as it can prevent possible breaks that might cost you a lot more money, but importantly, your unit might not work properly, and you could end up without a proper heating for days.