Springtime in Martinez, GA, is a great time to make sure that your home HVAC system is ready for warm weather. Energy costs continue to rise, and it’s very important to make sure that your system is properly tuned up. When it comes to home HVAC maintenance, beware of some of these common myths, though.
You Don’t Need to Change Your Air Filters Very Often
You should change your air filters at least every three months. Replacing your air filter is easy and inexpensive, and it’s an important part of keeping your HVAC system in working order. A clogged or dirty air filter doesn’t allow for maximum air intake and filtration, and it can also force your unit to run longer to maintain your desired temperature.
HVAC System Maintenance Is a DIY Project
There are a lot of things that you can do on your own to prolong the life of your system, but they’re simply not a substitute for professional HVAC maintenance. A professional contractor will be able to replace damaged or worn parts and can clean all the internal systems. You’ll also receive long-term service recommendations and a warranty on all parts and labor.
Sealing Off Vents in Unused Rooms Lowers Your Energy Costs
With the increasing costs of your monthly utilities, many families believe that closing off the vents in their guest bedroom and other low-traffic areas will improve the performance of their comfort systems. Unfortunately, sealing off those vents might actually do more harm than good.
For starters, closing off intake vents leads to increased overall pressure throughout the ductwork and ventilation. This can quickly lead to new leaks, and your hard-earned money gets spent cooling your attic and the space between your walls. The other problem is that if you have one room that’s cooler or warmer than the rest of the house, your unit will have to work harder to maintain the overall temperature of the home.
Cranking up Your Thermostat Makes Your Home Cool Down More Quickly
Summertime in Georgia isn’t for the faint of heart, and we all want our homes to be as cool as possible right away. Unfortunately, your HVAC system is only capable of producing a limited amount of cold air at a time. It’s a better idea to adjust the temperature in increments of two to three degrees so that you can give your system time to do its job.
It’s also a great idea to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat enables you to adjust your temperature for the times when you’re at work or asleep, and you can even adjust and program the newer models remotely with an easy-to-use smartphone app.
The Bigger the HVAC System, the Better
Many consumers believe that the larger the system, the more powerful your cooling capacity is, but that’s not accurate with residential HVAC systems. There’s no benefit in purchasing an HVAC system designed for a larger home than the one you own or with features that you won’t use.
Do your research, and purchase a unit that’s the best fit for your home. Avoid an HVAC system that’s too small or too large.
Fans Lower Your Overall Household Temperature
Fans help circulate the air more quickly, but they don’t have any impact on the temperature of the home. Running your fans all day in unoccupied rooms won’t make you feel more comfortable and a fan consumes energy that isn’t needed.
Ceiling fans will help you feel cooler because air moving over your skin evaporates any sweat, helping you to feel cooler. It’s called the wind chill factor. Be sure to turn off a ceiling fan when you leave the room, and also be sure to direct your ceiling fans’ breeze downward for the warm season.
Savage Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. is proud to offer the full range of heating and air conditioning services to Martinez, GA, and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a new heat pump or want to prolong the life of your existing unit, we’re here to help. Contact us at Savage Heating and Air conditioning to schedule an HVAC service appointment.
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