With the current spike in energy prices, it is imperative for all homeowners to be able to get the most out of their heating and air conditioning systems. No matter if you use central air or individual systems, oil, or gas heat, these simple utilities can be very costly if you do not maintain them well. As well, depending on where in the world you live, you may have to use them for many months of the year.
In the this article we will be giving homeowners a number of valuable tips on how to get the most out of their heating and air conditioning systems.
Hint 1 - No matter if, you are thinking about hot or cold air, you must make certain that you constantly have adequate airflow. The top reason why airways are blocked is dirty air filters. This is why it is important that you inspect your filters at least once a month. If you see that they are worn or dirty, and then just go to a hardware store and purchase new replacement filters. This easy hint can save you hundreds per year in energy costs.
Tip 2 - The next thing to check is your evaporator and condenser coils. This may sound very technical to you, however it is easy to ask a professional how to check and perform upkeep on them while they are being installed. It is important to check on the evaporator because it may become blocked up, which will make your system work more than it usually would.
This will certainly make your energy rates rise and make your system wear down faster than it should be. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, you can clean your condensing coils yourself by just running them under the hose. Make sure to not use a powerful source of water and treat them with care. The fins that are in the condensing coils are delicate and if they are damaged then you will have to buy new ones, which can be pricey.
As well, you can clean your evaporator coil with some dish soap and warm water. You can use an old toothbrush to clean the insides but be cautious as to not damage the fins.
Tip 3 - Fallen insulation and crushed or damaged duct lines will also affect the temperature in your home. If you discover either of these problems, make sure you contact your service company and ask that they be replaced. Unless you have a great deal of experience with insulation or duct repair, it is probably not a good idea to go crawling around in your attic looking for the problem.
Tip 4 - Lastly, it is always a good idea to purchase a service agreement from your local service company. These agreements are often relatively inexpensive and will ensure that a trained profession will come out to your home to check your system at least twice a year and will complete maintenance repairs and do mandatory cleanings on all of your filters and coils. It may also be a good idea to do a little research and see which company offers the best service agreements.
Look around and do some research to see what firm offers the best service agreements. Like having our vehicles serviced, having the heating and cooling systems in our houses serviced is a step in preventing problems and a great investment that will end up saving us much money annually in energy costs.
Author Resource:
About the author: Jerry Dyess has been in the Electricity business and written about Texas Electric prices for many years.
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