Why You Should Occasionally Check Your Home's HVAC System

Most family homes rely on an efficient heating and cooling system to keep the house comfortable all year round. In hot or cold weather, we expect HVAC systems to work effectively. Often, we don't do much with the furnace or air conditioner unless a problem grabs our attention. But you should check your HVAC system now and then to ensure everything is working correctly.

Parts Can Fail

Even if your home's air temperature feels comfortable, something could be amiss without your detecting it. Check your furnace filter every few months to see how dirty it is. A filter covered with dust or lint may impact the circulation of clean, comfortable air throughout your home and raise your fuel cost. Beside the furnace in the basement or wherever it stands will enable you to hear small sounds like hissing that might not be noticeable on another level of your home. Catching minor issues like these involving one part of the HVAC system can lead to a quick, affordable repair.

Home Ventilation Can Change

The air circulation in your home can change unnoticed due to various factors. Loose window frames can worsen over time and let outside air into your home. Remodeling your home to add a door or windows that are left open occasionally can affect the air temperature, which in turn impacts your HVAC use. Removing window drapes to let the sunshine in might cause the thermostat to register an inaccurate whole-house temperature. Bringing a pet indoors might increase dander circulating through the house.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Have your air conditioner serviced by an HVAC pro every year or two to keep it in prime operating condition. If your air conditioning maintenance is not kept up to date, the system could break down in the warmest season when you need it most. You will have peace of mind knowing the AC is ready to go when the temperatures unexpectedly soar, or with the commencement of warm weather.

Furnace Symptoms

Different noises or odd smells from your furnace equipment should be checked out immediately. It might be nothing to worry about, or it could be the start of a big problem that will impact the way your home is heated. Getting an odd noise or smell evaluated by an HVAC expert will bring you peace of mind and possibly a smaller repair bill. Don't let the problem go unchecked.

Don't get caught without air conditioning on a blistering hot summer day or without heat on a sub-zero winter night. Keep your HVAC system working correctly with routine monitoring and maintenance.

Why You Should Hire an HVAC Contractor Before Spring Hits

The HVAC system needs constant checks and maintenance for optimal performance. Spring forms the best time of the year to spruce up your HVAC systems before the hot summer season. Here are the reasons why. 

Preparations for Summer

The summer season is unbearably hot, and you will require your HVAC system to operate throughout for maximum comfort. Most HVAC companies are fully booked during summer, attending to common issues such as clogging, lubricating movable parts, replacing air filters, cleaning the ducts, and fixing electrical connections.

There is no worse feeling than your heating and cooling systems breaking down in summer. Scheduling an appointment becomes increasingly difficult and expensive as most contractors are busy. However, it is easy to avoid such frustrations by hiring an HVAC contractor during spring. Moreover, you will get better deals and exceptional customer service as more experts are at your disposal.

Save Money

In summer, the temperatures will rise, and so shall your cooling expenses. The reason is getting and maintaining your room temperatures down requires a significant amount of energy. However, you may notice your utility bills being a bit more than your neighbors because of a lack of prior maintenance.

Spring is the perfect time to prepare adequately for summer and ensure your HVAC runs smoothly and efficiently. During the maintenance, the professionals check your insulation, repair nonfunctional parts and install energy-saving equipment. These steps ensure optimum performance of the HVAC units hence saving you money. The preventive maintenance will help you avoid frequent replacements as the system will have less strain and wear and tear, increasing its longevity. Finally, it is the best way to keep your warranty active.

Easy Planning

It is not uncommon for homeowners to hear they need to replace some parts for their units after an inspection. During the rush summer season, you may be tasked to search for the required parts as most contractors do not have time. Therefore, there is no luxury of conducting thorough research and getting the best deals. The mild weather in spring gives you a leeway to not only do thorough research but plan your budget accordingly. As such, you will not feel as though you have rushed into making purchases.

If you live in a hot climate, do not wait until the summer to have your HVAC inspection. Look for a reliable and efficient contractor as soon as possible. 

HVAC Tricks to Try When the Temperature's on the Rise

In addition to having your HVAC system professionally serviced a few times a year, there are some simple tips and tricks that you can use to improve its efficiency on your own. With a few simple projects and upgrades, you can rest assured that your HVAC system will continue to run smoothly when the weather begins to heat up.

Clear Around the Outdoor Unit

Cleaning around the outdoor condenser unit is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve the efficiency of a heating and cooling system. When you are clearing the area around that unit, you should also inspect it for any signs of visible damage. Catching the signs of damage early on will often allow air conditioning repair experts to carry out easier fixes that prevent bigger problems down the line. Some problems may require more costly repairs if they aren’t resolved by a professional soon enough.

Clean and Declutter Around Vents

If one or more vents are blocked by clutter, then the HVAC fan will have to work much harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. As a general rule, there should be nothing within a foot or two of the vents so that the pressure within the ducts remains consistent. To improve your home’s air quality, you should also consider vacuuming in and around the vents at least once every few weeks.

Install Duct Booster Fans

Adding a few duct booster fans is another simple upgrade that can have a big impact on your family’s comfort. Those devices are going to equalize the pressure in the ducts and ensure that your entire home remains at a consistent temperature. There are many different types of duct booster fans to choose from, and you should consult with an HVAC technician to learn more about all of your options.

Use Ceiling Fans Strategically

When ceiling fans are used properly, it can have a big impact on the interior temperature of a home. During the hottest months of the year, ceiling fans should be spinning counterclockwise so that a gentle breeze is created. Having the ceiling fans spinning at a slow speed will allow you to increase the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees without sacrificing your comfort.

Homeowners who want to keep their utility bills at a reasonable level should also consider investing in a smart thermostat. Those devices could potentially lower your bills by hundreds of dollars a year, and they can often be installed in a matter of minutes.

Does The Brand Make A Difference When It Comes To HVAC Systems?

When you are preparing to purchase an HVAC system for your home, it's easy to assume that all systems are alike, no matter the brand. However, once you dive a bit deeper into your research, you'll soon find that's not true. Just as it is with buying a new car or any other big-ticket item, you'll often find that you get exactly what you pay for in terms of quality and dependability. Thus, before you get your HVAC system, here are some reasons why a brand does indeed make a difference.

A Decades-Long Investment

When you are looking for an HVAC system, it's important that you remember it will be a decades-long investment in your home. Typically, a good HVAC system from a name-brand company will last at least 20 years before needing to be replaced. If you skimp on a cheaper system, you will ultimately be paying more money in the long run.

Energy Efficiency

Though most of today's modern HVAC systems are very energy efficient, this does not mean all systems are alike. In fact, there can often be a big difference in the energy efficiency of various systems. Because of this and the fact that each home is unique, it's best to rely on the advice of an experienced Trane dealer when making your decision.

Noise Levels

If there is one thing you don't want to find out about until after it's too late, it's having an HVAC system installed at your home that is extremely noisy. An area that is often overlooked by many people during the buying process, a noisy HVAC system can make you and your family miserable in a hurry. To make sure you get a system that is nice and quiet, research different brands online, read online customer reviews and seek advice from a trusted HVAC professional.

Programmable Thermostat

One of the most innovative breakthroughs in HVAC systems in recent years, always makes sure the brand of HVAC system you select includes a programmable thermostat. Along with helping to keep your energy costs low, the programmable thermostat will also help you keep your home's temperature consistent. As an added bonus, top brands of HVAC systems usually have programmable thermostats that can be controlled via an app that can be downloaded to your smartphone.

Now that you are aware of just how important it is to choose the best brand of HVAC system for your home, don't rush through the buying process. Instead, do your own research, talk to experienced HVAC professionals, and use your common sense and best judgment when making your decision.