During the summer, many people will be relying on their home’s HVAC system to stay cool. However, overuse of your unit can cause it to break down sooner than expected. Here’s how to decrease the pressure on your HVAC system when it’s hot outside.
Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Sealed
If your home isn’t properly sealed, hot air can easily creep inside. This means the HVAC must work twice as hard to keep the interior cool. Before steamy weather arrives, take the time to inspect for any cracks. Most small gaps can be easily filled using a caulking gun. Also, make sure the weatherstripping around your doors and windows is in good condition.
Make Use of Your Fans
Don’t just allow your home’s ceiling fans to just collect dust. They can help reduce the strain on your HVAC system. Simply switch your ceilings fans to rotate in a counterclockwise direction on hot days. This will produce a downdraft, which allows you to feel a cool breeze. Because modern ceiling fans are so efficient, you can run them throughout the day without worrying about increased energy bills.
Regularly Change the Filter
It’s important to properly maintain your HVAC System. By working with experts like STA SO COOL HVAC, you can learn the optimal frequency for changing the filter for your environment and system. Many experts suggest that a dirty air filter is one of the biggest contributors to accelerated wear and tear. When the filter is clogged, this can lead to the unit overheating. Generally, inexpensive fiberglass filters should be replaced every month. Meanwhile, pleated filters can last for up to 90 days.
Limit Sources of Heat Within Your Home
Some families unknowingly cause interior temperatures to rise. Heat-generating appliances, especially ovens and dryers, can put a greater demand on your HVAC system. Try to avoid using these appliances during the day. It’s also a good idea to run the bathroom’s exhaust fan while showering. This simple step will help reduce humidity levels. Furthermore, develop a habit of turning off lights when not in use.
Keep Out the Sun
At the peak of summer, the last thing you want is for the blaring sun to be streaming into your home. Consider installing blackout shades over your south-facing windows. Doing so can keep the room 10-15 degrees cooler. Your HVAC system will then have a lighter workload.
Don’t allow hot weather to put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. By making a few changes, you could potentially extend the life of your unit by several years. Expect to also experience a lower energy bill.
