Top HVAC Tips for the New Year

The New Year is the ideal time for turning over a new leaf. The forward momentum of the calendar change spurs your motivation and offers an opportunity to make adjustments to your lifestyle. If your goal is to make your home as comfortable and efficient as possible this year, these HVAC tips will help. Whether you implement one or all of them, you’ll be on your way to creating the coziest and most energy-efficient space imaginable.

Schedule a Tune-Up for Your HVAC System

When was the last time your HVAC system had a tune-up? The odds are good that it's been a while! HVAC maintenance tips don’t come more standard than this, and for good reason: taking care of your equipment can seriously extend its lifespan. Having regular maintenance visits from a trusted HVAC professional ensures that your system is functioning as efficiently as possible. Your unit won’t need to run as often to heat or cool your space, cutting down on the overall time the system is running daily. The less your system runs, the less energy it consumes. This translates into real savings on your monthly utility bills, too.

When you schedule a tune-up with a trusted HVAC professional, you can expect them to check for leaks in your refrigerant line, clean coils, replace air filters, check air ducts, and lubricate any moving parts. They’ll also check for any existing issues and highlight the potential for future repairs. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way to get possible issues on your radar. By taking care of minor problems before they become serious issues, you can avoid total breakdowns and more expensive repairs. Here are some useful HVAC tips that can significantly improve the performance of your system:

Insulate Your Home and Seal Any Leaks

HVAC tips for homeowners can be incredibly simple and effective. While it might seem obvious that insulation is important, many homeowners don’t pay enough attention to it. Proper insulation is crucial for sealing in the warm or cool air your HVAC unit is putting out. This translates to lower heating and cooling costs overall. Insulation also helps keep many of the most common air pollutants and contaminants at bay.

Blanket batts and rolls are perhaps the most common form of residential insulation. Typically made of fiberglass, this kind of insulation is affordable and easy to install. You can add it to your attic, line your walls with it, and place it between floor joists. Spray foam insulation is another popular option. It’s best for sealing gaps and leaks inside walls. Keep this tool in your arsenal if you notice air leaks or drafts around your windows or doors.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

When exploring HVAC tips online, you’re likely to see a lot of recommendations for programmable thermostats. Thermostat technology has evolved a lot through the years, and smart devices make it easier than ever to make your home both energy efficient and comfortable. Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust your home’s temperature to meet your comfort needs and also regulate your environment while you’re asleep or away. Depending on the season, you can save about 2 percent of your energy bill for every degree the thermostat moves up or down. You can also create a schedule that reflects your busy lifestyle.

There are a number of exciting options on the market. When shopping around, make sure to find a thermostat that’s compatible with your current HVAC system. You may want a model that offers app or voice control. Motion sensors detect your presence and adjust the temperature in the room accordingly. Decide which features matter most to your family and make a purchase accordingly. Thankfully, the installation process is fairly straightforward. Should you have trouble following the manufacturer’s instructions, HVAC service professionals can assist you with installation.

Invest in Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment

If you’re really hoping to make changes in the way your home is heated and cooled, you may want to invest in an energy-efficient HVAC system. Like with thermostats, the technology behind HVAC units has evolved a lot over the last few years. Many models are now designed to improve HVAC efficiency. They come with a number of exciting benefits, including lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint. Of course, the greenest option is to use your existing HVAC unit until it is ready to be replaced. When that day comes, our HVAC tips can help guide you through the most energy-efficient options and how to take advantage of incentives that can save you even more money.

As you shop around for an efficient HVAC system, keep the size of your living space in mind. A very large AC unit can quickly overwhelm your space, leaving things feeling damp and wet. Go too small, though, and your unit will need to work overtime to meet your temperature demands. BTUs, or British Thermal Units, can help guide you to the right size unit for your needs. For smaller spaces, go for a system with lower BTUs. For a larger home, invest in a unit with high BTUs.

A model’s SEER rating can also help you make the right investment. Also known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, SEER ratings describe the efficiency at which air conditioners produce cooling. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the system will be.

Consider Adding a Humidifier or Dehumidifier

When the air in your home contains too much moisture, health problems and property damage may soon follow. The same is true when the air is too dry. Finding the perfect happy medium often means investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier. A humidifier can improve allergies, help you sleep easier, and make the air feel warmer, allowing you to turn the thermostat down a few degrees. A dehumidifier, on the other hand, can reduce the risk of mould growth and help the air in your home feel less sticky.

HVAC tips like these are a good start, but you may wish to consult with an HVAC expert and schedule services. In that case, a search for Aire Serv HVAC services near me will connect you with your local Aire Serv professionals. We can make recommendations for your home, keep your equipment in great condition, and offer advice on energy-efficient upgrades. Call us or request an appointment online today!