Managing Your Budget with HVAC Needs
The HVAC system in your Bethany Beach, Delaware, home is one of the most expensive systems in the structure. This unit can wreak havoc on your family’s budget when it’s not operating correctly. Repairs and replacement components can quickly add up, so it’s important to maintain your system to avoid going over your budget every month.
Routine Maintenance
One of the best ways to extend the life of your HVAC system and reduce the need for expensive repairs is to bring in a technician for maintenance twice a year. During the spring season, the air conditioning system will need a tuneup in preparation for the warmer weather. When fall is just around the corner, schedule your furnace tuneup before it gets too chilly. Routine HVAC maintenance is just as important as having the oil changed in your car, but it’s something that many homeowners overlook.
A well-maintained HVAC system is much cheaper to operate. Your technician will keep an eye on any potential problems and recommend minor fixes to keep everything operating efficiently. Without regular maintenance, problems can become more severe and, therefore, more expensive to fix. When a system operates at peak efficiency, your utility bills are lower as well, saving you money each month. During the maintenance service, a technician may also recommend ways to reduce your energy usage and keep things operating properly, such as duct cleaning or replacing the air filter more often.
Filter Changes
Your HVAC system uses a filter to remove contaminants from the air that is recirculated throughout the home. When the filter is overloaded, the efficiency of your system drops, resulting in higher bills and wasted energy. If a system has to work harder to produce heated or cooled air, more pressure will be put on the components as well, which could cause issues that are expensive to repair. You could even end up having to replace your system sooner, which will really wreak havoc on your family’s budget.
The filter is important, so change it often. Depending on your system, it should be swapped at least once every few months. If you have trouble remembering to change it, set a reminder in your phone or write it on your calendar. Do whatever it takes to make sure your HVAC system has a clean filter.
Duct Cleaning
Having your air ducts cleaned regularly can also keep your HVAC costs in check. The ducts within your HVAC system account for a large portion of the total energy used, so any issues within them can waste a lot of money. During a duct cleaning service, a technician will remove any dust, pollen, dirt, pet hair, dander, and other debris that has settled in the ducts. When the ducts are clean, air can flow more freely, resulting in improved efficiency and less energy waste.
Another benefit of duct cleaning is improved indoor air quality. When you have unhealthy air in your home, you may notice symptoms like congestion, sore throats, eye irritation, and coughing, which can make you think you’re coming down with a cold. This could lead you to visit the doctor and shell out money for a copay or to pay for the office visit only to find that your symptoms disappear when you leave the house. Poor indoor air quality is a growing problem, so keeping your ducts cleaned out will help reduce the risks associated with it.
Efficiency Tips
Along with taking care of your HVAC system, you can take some steps to improve efficiency and reduce your monthly bills. If you have ceiling fans in your home, use those to keep air moving instead of raising or lowering the temperature on the thermostat. You can also allow some natural warmth into the space during the winter months by uncovering your windows during the day. If you’re cold, use a blanket or put on a sweatshirt to stay warm instead of cranking up the heat.
Keep your costs under control and maintain your family’s budget by scheduling an HVAC tuneup with Custom Mechanical, available at 877-696-0808.
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