The Top 7 Things You Can Do For Your A/C and Heating Systems in 2022
In Arizona, our HVAC systems work hard for us. Our scorching summers mean we use our air conditioners non-stop for months at a time.
We need to keep our HVAC systems in top shape to keep them working efficiently and make sure our energy bills are no higher than they need to be. We can and should take steps to ensure we’re getting the most from our air conditioning and heating systems all year long.
We don’t need our HVAC equipment to fail when we need it the most. Proper care will ensure our air conditioning and heating systems keep working well into the future.
Here are seven things you can do for your air conditioning and heating systems in 2022:
1. Get your air conditioning and heating systems serviced twice a year.
There’s no better way to extend the life of your cooling and heating systems than to have regular maintenance service performed on the equipment. It’s much more cost-effective than having to purchase new components or even a whole new system.
Chas Roberts has a 26-point maintenance check to check your system from top to bottom in both the cooling and heating seasons.
The cooling season check includes:
- Check refrigerant levels
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Adjust thermostat calibration
- Clean condenser coil
- Check airflow
- And much more
The heating season check includes:
- Check gas valves and connectors
- Check combustion air
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Check burners
- Clean ignition assembly
- And much more
A well-maintained system doesn’t have to work as hard, meaning lower utility bills. Clean filters and coils improve the air quality in your home, which is especially important for anyone with respiratory issues.
Failure to regularly maintain your HVAC system will shorten its life. Proper maintenance reduces the chance you’ll be stuck with an air conditioner that’s not working on a 100-plus degree summer day.
2. Replace your air filters often.
Air filters need to be replaced as often as once a month in the summer. Dirty filters force your HVAC system to work harder and will increase your energy bills.
Dirty filters also worsen the air quality in your home. Check your filters often and if they look dirty, replace them.
Jot the replacement date on each filter, so you know when you last replaced them.
3. Install a programmable thermostat.
Programmable thermostats give you the option of controlling the temperature in your home throughout the day. You can schedule the times that your air conditioning or heat turns on, saving you money and reducing the wear and tear on your HVAC system.
The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, the less your cooling and heating systems will have to work.
Your programmable thermostat should be on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight. Be sure nothing that generates heat is near the thermostat.
New smart thermostats give you control of your home’s temperature through your mobile device. The more accurate control you have over the temperature in your home, the more energy and money you’ll save.
If your home lacks a programmable thermostat, Chas Roberts can install one for you in an appropriate location in your home.
4. Seal any air leaks around windows and doors.
Air leaks around windows and doors will allow unwanted hot air into your home in the summer, and let cold air enter in the winter. Door and window frames are common areas for air leaks.
If you can see daylight around door or window frames, there’s a leak that needs repair. Check the caulking and weather-stripping for damage and replace it as needed.
Your air conditioner and heater will have to work harder if there’s an air leak, and your energy bills will be higher, so repair leaks as soon as possible.
5. Make sure the ducts in your home are sealed.
Your home’s duct system is the network that carries cool or warm air into each room. If the ducts are leaking, your home will lose air through unsealed joints.
Poorly sealed duct joints will force your cooling and heating systems to work harder, causing more wear and tear on the equipment.
A well-sealed duct system is essential in unconditioned spaces such as attics. Sealing and insulating ducts in these spaces are generally very cost-effective in saving on energy bills.
According to the Department of Energy, you can make minor duct repairs with duct mastic to seal seams and joints, but a professional should do anything more than minor duct repairs.
6. Use the window treatments in your home to block direct sunlight.
Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard in the summer if you keep sunlight from streaming into your home on hot days. With less heat penetrating your home, you’ll also save money on energy bills.
Consider installing insulating window treatments for more protection from direct sunlight.
Installing sunscreens on south and west-facing windows will also help block sun exposure and reduce the heat entering your home in the brutally hot summer months. Be sure all windows and doors are tightly closed when you’re using your air conditioner or heater.
7. Leave most of the vents in your home open.
Your air conditioning and heating systems are designed to circulate air with the vents in your home open. If too many of the vents in your home are closed, the system can’t circulate air properly. When you reduce the air circulation, you reduce your HVAC system’s effectiveness.
Closed vents also create a pressure imbalance that can force leaks in the ductwork.
No more than 10% of the vents in your home should be closed when you’re cooling or heating your home.
Follow these tips for getting the most out of your air conditioning and heating systems, and you’ll help them thrive in 2022. You’ll also reduce your energy bills and extend the life of your equipment, and that’s a win-win for you and your wallet.
Chas Roberts
Chas Roberts provides quality air conditioning, heating, and plumbing services at competitive prices. We’ve been family-owned for over 75 years and remain committed to our founders’ values of integrity, honesty, and trust. Contact us for professional, reliable service.
