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How To Get The Most From Your HVAC Units
HVAC units make any household a comfortable place regardless of the outside temperature. Performing both warming and cooling processes, these remarkable appliances are probably the hardest working components in the household. As a homeowner, it makes sense to prioritize the HVAC system’s maintenance. Explore the best practices that offer the most efficient use of the HVAC system throughout the year.1. Replace or Clean the Air Filter
One of the simplest ways to improve a system’s efficiency is by running it with a clean filter. Every HVAC system has an air filter to stop large particles from entering the ducts. With dust and grease accumulating on the filter, it becomes clogged over time. The system cannot efficiently operate when air doesn’t easily flow into the components.
Purchase either one of these filter types, such as:
- Disposable
- Reusable
Disposable types are used only one time until they’re obviously dirty. The reusable types can be rinsed and reused several times. In most cases, the reusable models will cost more than the disposables. It’s up to the homeowner to decide which style is best for the household.
2. Clear Away Debris
HVAC units typically come with indoor and outdoor components. Take extra care with the outdoor unit because it’s exposed to a lot more weathering than other parts. Get the most out of the system by clearing away debris from the outside unit, such as:
- Fallen leaves
- Dirt
- Twigs
Ideally, no debris should accumulate on, within or around the unit. These components vent hot air from the home, and debris only forces the parts to work harder. The efficiency remains low, which leads to high energy costs and worn components.
3. Remove Airflow Obstacles
Some households tend to decorate or store items around vents. The HVAC system loses efficiency when air cannot flow into or out of the interior components. Inspect any vented areas for these blockages, such as:
- Furniture against the louvers
- Boxes pushed against the wall
- Decorations covering vents
Remove these items so that the system’s efficiency can be returned to normal. Regardless of the vent’s size or location, keep it uncovered at all times.
4. Seal the Ducts
Air flows from the interior unit, through ducts and out of vents in the household’s walls. The home remains cool or warm with this airflow action. If the ducts have any holes or cracks, however, the efficiency is instantly hindered.
In fact, the conditioned air is now trapped in the walls where it does no good for the household. Seal the ducts by inspecting their lengths as much as possible. Homeowners might inspect the ducts from accessing the interior unit or by looking within the individual vents. Sealing tape can fix small cracks in these areas.
5. Install a New Thermostat
Homeowners might have a thermostat that’s as old as the HVAC units themselves. It helps the system’s efficiency if the thermostat has a sensible upgrade. Look for thermostats that have smart capabilities, such as automatic shutoff and system readouts.
These products keep the system running at a steady temperature while shutting off when there’s no need for the conditioned air. They’re relatively simple to swap out too. Plug the wiring harness into the new unit, and the system should activate without any issues.
6. Check for Leaks
HVAC units are closed systems, which means that any liquids remain confined to hoses and internal components. However, leaks can occur over time. Any lost fluid contributes to lower efficiency levels.
Examine the HVAC systems for leaks in these areas, including:
- Coolant near the exterior unit
- Water loss at the interior condensate drain
Any major leaks should be brought to a professional’s attention. The system must be repaired and given new fluids to improve the efficiency once again.
7. Consider an Annual Inspection
An annual inspection will always help a system’s efficiency. Components will wear down over time although they may still seemingly operate without a problem. Technicians can perform several different tasks, such as:
- Recharging the AC components
- Testing critical parts
- Cleaning difficult-to-reach areas
Taking care of any tiny issues will ultimately help the system work well. Avoid any major breakdowns with these inspections too. Technicians can always recommend replacement parts that will improve the system’s operations. Current technology might boost an older system’s functions while preserving the original parts.
8. Vacuum the Interior Components
The interior components are sheltered from the weathering elements, but don’t overlook their care. A thick coating of dust is just as harmful as accumulated debris found on the outside unit.
Carefully vacuum the interior components so that they don’t have a lot of dust. This fine film can cause the parts to overheat, which reduces the system’s efficiency over time. If you cannot reach confined areas, ask a professional for help in this area.
9. Close the Blinds
Get the most efficient use out of an HVAC unit by reducing the light entering the home. Windows and sliding glass doors allow a lot of heat into the home as sunlight strikes the interior. The HVAC system can operate with better efficiency when the drapes or blinds are closed.
Homeowners might also consider window tint. Reducing the ultraviolet light entering the home is a clever way to help the HVAC system run with less effort.
10. Run Hot Appliances Later
Any HVAC system will have varying efficiency based on the surrounding conditions. Ideally, run hot appliances later on in the day, such as:
- Laundry dryers
- Ovens
The heat from these appliances will force the HVAC system to work harder than it should under normal conditions. Although your dryer may be in the garage and away from the conditioned spaces, it does create a change in air pressure that negatively impacts the HVAC’s operations. Simply wash the laundry and dishes when it’s cooler outside and the HVAC system isn’t running too much.
Taking care of the HVAC unit can prevent most major breakdowns. Keep up with basic maintenance, and the household should remain comfortable. Efficiency can remain high even in older units when coupled with regular care.
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5 Tips For Choosing a Commercial Air Conditioning Company
Business owners take the comfort of their workers and clients as part of their success. The commercial premises carry the image of the business, and depicting positivity will attract visitors. Business practices such as discounting, better products, and friendly staff may not mean a thing if the business premises’ air conditions are unbearable. For this reason, most businesses factor in air conditioning units in their budget when constructing or remodeling commercial space.Shopping for a commercial air conditioner can be a daunting process if a person does not know who and where to go. Besides, many companies are dealing with commercial HVAC’s. Once an individual has a budget for the air conditioning unit, picking the right company to purchase the unit is the next step. Here are tips to help in choosing a commercial air conditioning company, as suggested by a local company that does air conditioning St Petersburg FL.
Know the commercial building’s needs
Before heading out to choose an air conditioning company, the interested buyer must understand the building’s cooling needs. Study the humidity levels, design, ventilation, and insulation of the building to understand the type of unit that can help regulate and achieve the required temperatures. This procedure will help the individual to save time by quickly determining if the potential company can offer the specific product they require.
The interested buyers of the systems should hire HVAC experts to check these conditions before one goes shopping for an air conditioning unit. If it is a new building, the contactors should tell how the building’s designs and structures will affect air quality and temperatures. For example, the following will affect the choice of an air conditioning unit.
- Placement of windows and ceilings will affect airflow.
- The position and number of air registers in a room for efficient airflow
- Ductwork
- Determining if outdoor units will be placed in a basement, in a separate room, or on the roof.
- Check the brands the company offers
Installing an air conditioning unit in the commercial building is an investment that should be worth every dime. Thus, the cooling unit’s brand makes a difference in whether the investment will last longer and serve them efficiently or not. As much as big brands tend to be more expensive, it is better to spend more during the initial purchase than piling up costs on repairs with weaker brands.
Research on reputable HVAC brands and read customer reviews online to get an idea of the best makes in the market. They can then check if the air conditioning company they are targeting has these reputable brands. They will have the assurance of quality investment from a trusted and well-established company.
Check if the company has certified technicians
Purchasing the air conditioner from a company with competent technicians to help in installations will save buyers the hassle of incorrect installations and repairs. Most companies have technicians under their wing, but the most crucial factor is certifications.
Certified technicians have tons of knowledge and experience under them that help ascertain that the unit’s installation will be efficient, and it will be tuned to suit the building’s needs. NATE is a reputable organization that offers certifications to technicians after a series of professional examinations. Air conditioning companies then hire these technicians to work under their brand, while others choose to work independently.
A company’s NATE certified technician guarantees that any installations issues will be handled because buyers can always revert to the company. Also, since these companies’ reputation lies with how good the technician’s services are, the buyers can be sure of excellent installations. Buyers can verify these certifications, including any other credential like insurance coverage, which is an added advantage to both parties.
After-sales terms and services
The customers should ask themselves these questions when shopping for a good air conditioning company.
- Do they have warranties?
- What are the terms of their warranties?
- Do they give tips and tricks on how to maintain the unit?
A company with a fair and transparent warranty is a perfect safe house for the investment. An air conditioning unit can breakdown before its end of life even when owners follow all maintenance tips, and having a great warranty plan can help them avoid the unnecessary costs of buying and installing a new one. For this reason, manufacturers usually have terms where individual buyers are required to regularly schedule maintenance checks to lay claim to the unit’s warranty.
The buyers should determine if the company offers guidance on maintaining the air conditioning unit and any repairs they are bound to experience annually. It helps buyers prepare and decide on a unit that will not put a financial strain on them. For this knowledge, customer reviews are the best place to know what people say about the company’s services. The potential buyer can see customers coming back and rate the services they receive from the company.
Technological advancement and energy friendliness
Some companies will try to convince customers that older versions are better, but with advancements in technology, there are new versions of air conditioners that are energy-efficient and cost-effective. Choose a company that offers air conditioning units with added smart components that allow individuals to control the system how they want.
Additional components like a thermostat and inbuilt humidity control units are some of the perks to look for when shopping for an air conditioning company. They can also consider companies that sell scalable HVAC systems. This factor is a consideration to keep in mind if they are looking to upsize the AC later because of future space expansions.
Generally, choosing an air conditioning company that an individual can work with well is beneficial to them both in the short term and long term. They need a company that is there for them and ready to serve them even after making the purchases. Choosing a company that they can build a good relationship with will save them the hassles of hiring different technicians every time they need to have a maintenance check or repairs. Potential buyers should take time to do the background research on companies in their region before they settle on one.