Have you been naughty or nice to your HVAC system this year? If you’ve been naughty, you may have paid the price with higher utility bills, maybe a lack of comfort, and maybe even some unexpected repair or replacement bills. In 2024, resolve to be nice to your HVAC system. Here are a few thoughts.
- Have your air conditioner and furnace maintained This will make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently and identify small problems that are easy and relatively inexpensive to fix before they become major problems which can be more expensive and may even necessitate purchasing a new system. Additionally, maintenance may be a requirement to keep your warranty valid.
- Change your air filters regularly. Clean air filters will help your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently, keep your home comfortable, and improve the quality of the air you breathe. One-inch filters should be replaced monthly, thicker filters at least twice a year.
- Invest in a Wi-Fi thermostat. You can program these devices to adjust the temperature based on time of day or even day of week, and they are Wi-Fi-enabled so they can be accessed via your phone or tablet. Not only will they keep you comfortable, but they can help you drive down heating and cooling bills. And best of all, they will alert you of a problem with your heating and cooling system, a great feature when you travel.
- While we are on the subject of thermostats, try to keep it set a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees warmer in the summer. Those few degrees can make a huge difference in your utility bills and can also extend the lives of your AC and furnace because they won’t be working as hard.
- In the winter, stay comfortable at lower temperatures by adding layers of clothing, or an extra blanket. Have the ceiling fan spin clockwise to force warm air down from the ceiling.
- In the summer, stay comfortable at higher temperatures by using ceiling fans. Also, cook outside to reduce the heat generated from the oven, stove, and microwave.
- Throughout the year, keep outside air outside. Make sure doors and windows are sealed to keep the cold air out in the winter and the hot air out in the summer. Also, make sure your home is properly insulated.
- If some rooms in your home or warmer or colder than others, adding zoning systems help. You will be able to program different temperatures in different parts of your home.
- Optimize air flow. Make sure your registers are not blocked by furniture.
- Improve indoor air quality. Vacuum and mop regularly. Use plants. Use natural products (not chemicals) to freshen the room. Also, consider installing air purifiers and humidifiers for the winter and dehumidifiers for the summer.
- Another important way to keep the air in your home clean is by having your ducts cleaned.
- Invest in a more efficient HVAC system. If you need a new system, or if your furnace and/or AC are getting up there in age (more than 15 years old), replace them with the most energy-efficient system you can. While these may cost more initially, you will save money in the long run through lower utility bills.
Resolve to Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Expert HVAC Assistance
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s experienced HVAC technicians can help you with all your HVAC needs, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs to installation of industry-leading products.
Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 95 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical companies in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
