Your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system is an integral part of every residential unit. When your HVAC is working efficiently, you get to enjoy your desired indoor temperature at any time of day. However, some practices can lead to your HVAC wasting precious energy. This means money literally going down the drain. If you want to make the most out of your HVAC system, make sure to avoid the following mistakes:
Failure to choose the right installer
So you’ve done your research on which HVAC system will best suit the needs of your home. You have found the right supplier and already ordered your units. However, you choose to install your HVAC yourself. You’ve done it before, so surely you can do it right this time again. But not all HVAC systems are the same. Installation matters. A properly installed HVAC can help extend the life of your equipment. It can also reduce service costs and improve the efficiency of your unit.
If you want to make sure that your HVAC gets installed correctly, make sure to let qualified professionals do it for you. They know how to install and adjust your equipment. They know how and where to best position the stainless steel strut channel that will serve as the support for your HVAC system.
Not minding your thermostat’s location
One needs to make sure that your thermostat is located in an ideal position. If you place your thermostat near direct heat sources, it will think that the temperature is hotter than it actually is. The tendency is that it will make your air-conditioning unit work harder to cool down your home. This leads to increased energy usage. Make sure to mind where you place your thermostat. Place it away from heat sources or even direct sunlight.
Skipping HVAC maintenance
Just because your air-conditioning and heating units are working perfectly normal doesn’t mean that you should skip its scheduled maintenance and checkup. Your system may already have damage without you knowing it. Want your equipment to last longer and work as efficiently as possible? Make sure to have it checked and maintained by a licensed HVAC technician.
Playing with your thermostat
Some homeowners think that adjusting their thermostat regularly helps lower their energy usage. In reality, you are wasting precious energy by doing so. If you want to save more money, invest in a smart thermostat instead. You get to program your preferred temperature at specified hours of the day. You get to program the thermostat and adjust it even when you’re still miles away from home.
Opening AC vents in empty rooms
You may find it satisfying to cool every single room in your home. However, there is no reason to waste precious energy on rooms no one is using. Make it a point to close AC vents in empty rooms. This only takes a little bit of effort; it won’t take much of your time.
Forgetting to clean or change the air filters
Dirt and debris can accumulate on your air filters over time. Thus, make sure to take time to clean them. How often you need to clean or replace your air filters will depend on your usage and your unit type. Some required regular replacement every month, while others can last three or six months or even a year.
How you chose, install, and treat your HVAC unit can affect its life span and ability to work efficiently. It is not enough that you choose the best HVAC system on the market. You also need to avoid these costly mistakes to make the most out of your system.