Down south there’s a couple things that you can always count on. The first is that you won’t get better seafood anywhere in the world and second, is that the summers are going to be hot and humid!
With these brutal summers and wet winters, having HVAC is not a luxury but a necessity. Keeping your system running will keep your home pleasant during all months of the year, save money on energy bills, and prohibit expensive repairs from piling up. Being proactive will save time, prolong the life of the system, and keep your HVAC working just as efficiently. Here are some basic HVAC care tips that homeowners shouldn’t forget.
Change Your Filters Regularly
One of the easiest things you can do, yet one of the most effective, is to change your HVAC filters regularly. As time goes on, filters build up with dust, pollen, and other particles that make it harder for air to flow freely and eventually will cause your system to work harder than necessary. This is particularly important in a place like Slidell, where allergens and humidity are rampant.
Replacing your filters every 1-3 months cleans up not only your system’s efficiency but also your indoor air quality. For homes with pets or allergy sufferers, more frequent filter changes may be necessary to keep the air clean and breathable.
Schedule Seasonal Tune-Ups
This will generally save money down the line, having a professional check over your HVAC before peak seasons, summer, and winter. During such tune-ups, the technician may notice several shortcomings or elements in the HVAC that will ultimately lead to its failure unless cared for in good time, like worn-out parts, leaks in refrigerants, or clogged drains.
Seasonal tune-ups will also have your system ready for the humidity-related challenges like mold growth inside your unit. This keeps your system running efficiently and reduces the possibility of unexpected breakdowns.
Clean Your Outdoor Unit
The outside part of your HVAC system is outside in the elements all year round. Down south where storms, leaves, and grass clippings seem to find their way anywhere, it’s good to keep the area around your outdoor unit clean.
Cleaning off debris and ensuring a minimum of two feet of clearance around the unit provide proper airflow and prevent overheating. Another good idea is to gently rinse the fins of the unit with a garden hose, never using high pressure, to remove dirt and dust buildup.
Seal and Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation and sealing of air leaks will go a long way toward reducing the load on your HVAC system. For example, drafty windows or doors, or an inadequately insulated attic, may let the air that is cooled or warmed escape, thus putting more work on the system.
These repairs are particularly important during the scorching summers and rainy winters. Weatherstripping, sealing the gaps with caulk, and ensuring that your attic is well-insulated will definitely pay off when big energy bill savings come your way.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you’re using a manual thermostat right now, then upgrading to a programmable or smart one could be a real game-changer. You can schedule these devices to lower or raise your home’s temperature when you are away from the house or sleeping to optimize energy consumption.
With the programmable thermostat, it would ensure you were not cooling or heating an empty home in Slidell’s variable climate. Some smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences over time and suggest energy-saving adjustments to enhance control and increase savings.
Conclusion
Maintenance of your HVAC is the way to save bucks and stay comfortable in Slidell’s climate. From regular filter replacement to professional tune-ups, little steps can mean a lot toward efficiency and a longer life for your system.
If you need assistance with any of the tips mentioned above, or have other questions you can always check out our frequently asked questions to find your answer or just give us a call. We’re always here to help out our local Slidell community keep their systems running smoothly and their energy bills low.
