Is it safe to say that summer is here? Well, maybe in principle because the warmer weather is starting to arrive with more regularity....
5 Ways to Increase the Efficiency of Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Systems
Don’t look now, but it’s getting warmer out there. Spring has officially sprung and we’re counting down to summer – doesn’t that put everyone in a better mood? Not to dampen the mood, but when it starts getting warm outside, that means it’s time to start talking about heating and cooling systems again.
“Come on, Uncle Mike…can’t you let us just enjoy the sunny weather?”
Yes, we can. But what if we told you there are a few easy ways to enjoy the changing seasons and cut back on your energy bills? We would be telling the truth. We know there’s an inherent temptation to fire up the air conditioning as soon as we get that first truly warm day, but we also want to make sure we’re being smart about it. Heating and cooling efficiency is the most sure-fire way to guarantee you can get that comfortable feeling indoors while also not racking up an exorbitant bill.
And as we mentioned, it’s pretty simple to make that happen. Let’s talk about it.
Why is heating and cooling efficiency so important?
First and foremost, heating and cooling efficiency is an indicator of a healthy HVAC system. And if your system is more than 10 years old, there’s a chance it may need replacing.
A healthy HVAC system is going to provide heating and cooling through every season and be a reliable source of better quality indoor air all year round. There are certain “tells” for heating and cooling systems that aren’t working properly; you may hear abnormal whizzing or labored sounds coming from the ventilation, or inconsistencies in the indoor air temperature.
If you have a smart thermostat, it’s always a good idea to monitor temperature changes – which may be an indication of problems within your HVAC system. Heating and cooling that are not operating efficiently are more likely to fluctuate and deliver mixed results.
How to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems
When we tell people that it’s relatively easy to get your heating and cooling systems working as they should, it’s not lip service. We’re also not angling to sell you our services, either. We believe that informed and educated customers are more likely to be customers for life, and we try to keep our customers armed with all the information they need. This helps them ask the right questions and know how to spot problems before they become bigger problems.
With a few supplies or just one phone call, you can ensure an efficient and more effective HVAC system. Here’s how to do it.
Regular tune-ups and maintenance
This is one of the most critical components of heating and cooling efficiency. It’s one thing you should always trust the professionals, too. A company like Uncle Mike’s Home Service will use a service appointment to conduct all testing and updates needed for your system, which we recommend doing twice per year (fall and spring).
Change your filters regularly
The rule of thumb for filters in your HVAC system is three months or 90 days, whichever comes sooner. If you live in an area where heating and cooling are a regular requirement (on either end of the spectrum), you may need to replace filters more frequently.
Utilize smart technology, including a thermostat
Smart thermostats are a great way to get real-time diagnostics of your heating and cooling systems. Mobile apps that connect to the thermostat make it easy to monitor air quality and efficiency while you’re on the go, making it easier than ever to keep tabs on your HVAC system.
Make sure your ducts are sealed properly
Your friends at Uncle Mike’s Home Service will take a detailed look at the ducts in your heating and cooling systems to make sure they’re sealed. Without proper sealing of ducts, air can escape and force the system to work harder – not smarter.
Keep doors and windows closed
Staying on the subject of working smarter and not harder when it comes to heating and cooling, open doors and windows put undue stress on your systems. When air escapes or isn’t distributed properly through ventilation (i.e., it goes out the window), the heating and cooling have to work even harder.
Uncle Mike’s Home Service can help with your HVAC service needs
Wouldn’t you rather enjoy summer carefree and not have to worry about whether your heating and cooling systems are in good condition? That’s everyone’s hope, and we can help take care of it.
With Uncle Mike’s Home Service, you get access to experienced professionals who specialize in the latest advancements in HVAC systems – and who will thoroughly examine your heating and cooling systems to identify problems, make the necessary tune-ups, and get you all set for the new season.
You can call us at 844-900-MIKE, or fill out our online contact form to request a free estimate or schedule an appointment.