Between the New England bitter cold and the summer’s hot heat, your HVAC system should be maintained on a yearly basis. hvac system checklist tips Below are some of the most important items that you should be checking or having a professional service.
1. CHANGE YOUR FILTERS:
Not changing your filters is the easiest way to guarantee that your air conditioner will break down, work harder, or work inefficiently over the hot summer or bitter winter. Remember to change your air filters routinely to ensure the best air flow from your HVAC system.
2. LEAKY DUCTS:
Your ducts are one of the most important components of your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can cost you as much as 30% off your AC efficiency! Papalia can do a leak test on your duct system and possibly seal off any leaks to raise your system efficiency. Call Papalia and we can get a specialist to your home!
3. PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT:
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your cooling and heating costs down during the summer, consider installing a programmable thermostat in your home. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set your system for different temperatures based on different times of the day so you can keep your temperature up (and your costs down) when no one is home!
4. INSULATION:
Ducts in hot attics and crawl spaces can heat up conditioned air before it gets distributed, forcing your AC to work harder to keep the house cool. Use spray foam, batt or rigid-foam insulation to keep the heat out and the cool air properly delivered to the different rooms in your home.
5. SERVICING YOUR CONDENSOR:
Your air conditioner condenser and compressor are usually located outside near your home’s foundation. Make sure you keep at least 2-3 ft of clearance space around the unit and if possible, put them on the north or east side of the house or shade them. Putting them in direct sunlight can reduce their efficiency by up to 10%.
6. KEEP COOL IN THE SUMMER AND WARM IN THE WINTER:
The more you help your HVAC system, the more it will help you. Keep the blinds closed during the day and install awnings to shield south-facing windows from intense sunlight to reduce the load on your AC. You should also consider using ceiling fans to give your AC another little boost.
7. INSPECTIONS:
Having your air conditioner inspected each year before the warm temperatures roll in and the cool ones out, you can save you major headaches over the course of the seasons. Papalia offers maintenance plans with yearly visits to help keep your system working properly.
8. MAINTAIN AIRFLOW:
Shutting too many doors inside the house will throw your airflow off, preventing your HVAC system from working as effectively as it should.
9. UPGRADES:
System Upgrades:
There are options out there to upgrade your system, making it as efficient as possible. Papalia has a Comfort Specialist who can come to your home and assess your system, informing you of any needs to help your system run as cost effective as possible.
Call Papalia today to have our Comfort Specialist visit your home! 978.897.1701
