What cost effective things can the consumer do to extend the life of a HVAC system?
Change the filter every month.
The HVAC system it is constantly sucking up dust, pollen, allergens and dirt. These materials clog the filter and make the HVAC System work harder to pull the air through the return vent. What happens when a two to three ton HVAC system has to work harder to do its job? It uses more energy. Consumers should change the filter every month for optimal performance.
Keep it clean.
Trim the shrubs near and around the outside compressor. Leaves and sticks could clog the fan and get in the way while being serviced. Inside, do not put storage items around or on top of your unit or on top of ductwork. Doing so can crush the duck work causing leaking and holes.
Get a programmable Thermostat.
Save energy and money by turning the AC up a little bit while you are at work or going to be away.
Leave the Installing to the professionals.
Installing a thermostat is a pretty simple task for someone who knows what he or she is doing, but when installed incorrectly, it can blow a fuse or break the transformer.
Look, do not touch.
If something looks fishy, is leaking or making a weird noise, call and ask a professional, messing with it yourself can only make it worse and take longer for the repair man or woman to correct.
Regular maintenance
Planned maintenance is key. Residents should have the HVAC System regularly inspected two times a year, once before summer and once before winter. Think of it as the prep work before you make a meal or the warm up before a big sporting event. No, the HAVC system can’t pull a hammy but it to can over work itself and break down. A typical maintenance package cost $150 for the year and normally includes discounts on service and priority in emergency situations.
When should you replace?
Eight years old is when you should start looking into purchasing a new unit if the unit is giving you issues. Wait by all means if the unit is still running fine, but keep a close watch, depending on the situation it could cause damage to other parts of the home. There are a ton of rebates out there, contact your local energy provider for more information.
Let’s face it; an AC unit is a machine. There are going to be issues along the way. But taking these assertive steps will save you money and increase the life span of your HVAC System. For more information contact on HVAC systems visit www.NaturalAirEnergy.com.
Key Terms to Know About HVAC System
SEER rating: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) numbers rate the Air conditioners energy consumption. The higher the SEER rating on a unit, the more efficient the system is.
Minimal SEER Rating: In January 2006, all new systems must have a rating of at least 13 SEER. Systems installed 5 – 10 years ago, might operate at a 6.0-7.0 rating, while today’s generation of heating and air conditioning offer energy SEER ratings up to 24.5, the highest in the industry.
HVAC: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Duct: The framework that brings the cooled and heated air to each room.
Air Handler: The inside part of an HVAC system.
Condensing Unit: The outside part of an HVAC system, where the compression and condensation of refrigerant is accomplished.
Evaporator: A device in which a liquid refrigerant is vaporized.
Refrigerant: A substance, which produces a refrigerating effect while expanding or vaporizing.
R 22: The old refrigerant found in models before 2006.
R 410A: The new eco friendly refrigerant all new models have.
