6 Ways to Increase Efficiency of Your Heating and Air Systems

Maintaining your heating and air systems helps extend their lifespan, lower utility costs, and ensure everyone’s comfort. You can also avoid the need for emergency repairs and stay confident your family enjoys quality air indoors.

With that, here are 6 tips to include in your home maintenance routine.

1. Replace filters every couple of months. Dirty filters make your system less efficient. Airflow is reduced, forcing your system to work harder. Be sure to keep your filters clean by replacing them once every 3 months. There’s no definite timeline, though, when you should change your filters. Check out the manufacturer’s instructions or consider replacements more often if you have pets at home.

2. Keep your air conditioning unit clean. Air conditioners function more effectively when they’re kept clean. Clean the condenser coils to prevent them from clogging. Use fin combs to straighten metal fins in the condensing unit. This step is crucial as bent fins can restrict airflow and put a strain on your unit. For outdoor units, you can use a hose for cleaning. Never use a pressure washer, though, as this can cause permanent damage to your unit.

3. Inspect your drain pipes. Do you notice water dripping from your ceiling? This can be due to faulty drain lines. Look out for algae or mold that may have grown in your system’s drainpipe. Use bleach to clean the pipes and a wet-dry vacuum to unclog. For professional assistance, hire a residential contractor in your area.

4. Weather-strip or caulk to prevent air infiltration. Air infiltration or air leakage happens when outside air enters your home through gaps, openings, or cracks. This can affect the quality of air inside your home and increase energy consumption. Avoid it by sealing joints and seams on your doors and windows.

5. Check and increase home insulation. Insulation helps your home resist heat loss and gain. It’s one way you can increase energy efficiency in your house. There are many areas at home where you can insulate and one of which is in your attic. To get started, inspect your attic to see if there are gaps or dark spots. Discolored spots can be a sign of air leakage. Gaps will need to be sealed so your home insulation can function better.

6. Inspect your air conditioner regularly. Look out for gaps around your air conditioning unit to prevent air leakage. Also, consider investing in a cover as protection from the harsh winter elements for the part of the unit that is exposed outdoors.

7. Clean and fix air ducts as necessary. Conduct regular checkups of your air ducts. Look for air leakage or disconnected ducts, especially in areas where the ducts meet the floor or ceiling. Fix connections immediately and be sure to use the right materials.

Maintain your home’s heating and cooling system for a comfortable stay at home, regardless the weather outside.

Make the process stress-free and more cost-effective by hiring a reputable residential contractor in North Georgia to take care of the job for you.

Douglas Residential Renovations has expert technicians that can inspect and maintain your heating and air systems. Call us today at (404) 483-3544.