Economical Ways to Keep Your HVAC System in Great Shape

Summer is just around the corner and now is the time to consider the things you need to do to keep your HVAC system as efficient as possible. If you’re someone who wants to keep their HVAC equipment going for years to come, read on to find out how to make sure your unit is not overloaded unnecessarily.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your friendly HVAC company in Vadnais Heights, MN that has the knowledge to properly maintain heating and cooling systems. Here are some ideas to help you keep your HVAC system in good working condition.

Decongest the area surrounding your outdoor unit.

First things first: clear your surroundings. The outdoor HVAC unit should be able to easily draw in air to cool your home. To properly do this, clear any vegetation from the surrounding area, including shrubs and plants, which should be planted at least two feet away from the outdoor unit. This provides sufficient shade to keep the unit cool and also controls critters from making a temporary home near the system.

Late spring also means you need to clean out the storm drain. Remove any debris that could block the flow of water from your home.

You may also need to visually inspect the outdoor components of your HVAC system such as the condenser. Look for noticeable damage and if something looks unusual, call an HVAC professional. Avoid operating an HVAC system with a damaged condenser, which can be a critical issue when you need to run your air conditioner.

Test your indoor air quality.

With summer breeze comes a variety of new allergens and pathogens in your home, which trigger allergic reactions, sneezing, watery eyes, and other symptoms.

An efficient way to achieve better indoor air quality is by replacing the filter. This simple task can make a significant improvement to your HVAC system’s performance. Depending on your usage, clean or replace your dirty air filter monthly to lower the risk of allergens and increase your system’s efficiency.

When replacing your filter, look at the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which varies from 1 to 12. A higher number means better filtration.

Once you have replaced the air filter, your system won’t have any dust or debris restricting the airflow, resulting in better performance.

Use fans.

Operating fans throughout your home can make a huge difference in your home’s overall comfort. Fan choices include ceiling fans, desk fans, and tabletop fans. Out of these three choices, ceiling fans are probably your best option. Make sure your ceiling fans are set to rotate clockwise in the summer. This will allow the air to flow downward, preventing excess heat from rising up to the upper portions of your home. When the temperature begins to cool down, you can do it in reverse by operating your fan in the other direction.

These energy-efficient fans are additional ways to keep your home cool without having to make your HVAC system work too hard.

Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat lets you set the temperatures for different times of the day, as well as different days of the week. It allows you to have the device set your air conditioner to only produce cooled air only when you need it, causing you to lower your energy use.

Conventional thermostats will only get you within a few degrees of your desired temperature, which may not be stable in certain areas of your home. On the other hand, programmable thermostats can keep a consistent temperature throughout the home.

Programmable thermostats help you save money, increase your comfort, and prevent your air conditioner from working too hard during the summer.

Schedule a professional HVAC system maintenance.

The single most effective way to ensure your system is working at peak performance is to have it maintained by a qualified HVAC professional. Our technicians at Four Seasons Air Specialists are factory-trained and certified to service all kinds of HVAC systems. We are able to properly clean, lubricate and inspect all system components to make sure your unit operates based on the manufacturer’s specifications. It’s best to have your HVAC system professionally checked before turning it on this coming summer. We are your reliable Woodbury heating and air conditioning company.