8 HVAC Tips for Homeowners - VisionaryLocal Blog

What Maintenance Does an Air Conditioner Need?

1. Change Your Filters

To maintain the efficiency of your AC, it is necessary to replace the filters every month during the cooling season for both central and window units. In case of washable filters, cleaning them would be sufficient. Neglecting this would result in dirty filters which can greatly reduce the AC’s efficiency.

When searching for an air filter for your home AC unit, consider the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 12, with higher numbers indicating more effective filtration. However, be aware that higher MERV ratings require more energy to circulate air, so it’s important to balance air quality with energy costs.

2. Fix AC Leaks

It is possible for ducts to experience a loss of airflow of about 30% due to leaks, and it is particularly difficult to perfectly seal window AC units. The traditional “smoke trick” can be used to detect leaks.

To check for leakage in window units, ignite an incense stick and place it at the point where the unit and the window frame come together. When it comes to central air conditioning, place the incense stick close to duct connections. If the smoke moves around, this signifies leakage. To seal small gaps in ductwork, use foil tape, and for larger ones, use duct mastic. To secure window AC units, insert foam between the unit and the window frame and apply tape as necessary.

3. Use a Timer

You don’t have to crank up the air conditioning while you’re at work. Consider setting a programmable thermostat for your central unit to increase the temperature when you’re away and lower it when you’re present.

You can either purchase a newer window unit that already has adjustable thermostats and built-in timers or separately buy a timer from a home store for $10 to $20, ensuring it matches your device’s voltage. It is advised not to turn off the system unless you are going on vacation as it will cause the air compressor to work harder to cool your house later.

4. Insulate to Keep Air Cool

To prevent hot air from entering ducts located in crawl spaces or attics, it is recommended to wrap them with insulation. Spray foam, batt insulation, or rigid-foam insulation can be utilized for this purpose. Foil tape should be used to seal both batt and rigid insulation instead of duct tape. For compact areas, an insulation wrap like Reflectix can provide some level of insulation.

5. Service Your Compressor or Condenser

For optimal functionality, it is recommended to clear an area of about 24 inches in all directions surrounding the air compressor and condenser of a central AC system which are typically situated outside the house near the foundation. Eliminate any nearby shrubs, tall grass, leaves, and hanging branches.

6. Keep Your AC Unit Cool

You can increase the lifespan of your AC system by closing blinds or shades during the daytime. Adding awnings to block the strong sun from the windows facing south is also an option. To enhance the circulation of cooled air, you may want to run the AC along with floor or ceiling fans.

7. Perform Annual AC Maintenance

You should ask the central AC dealer who installed your unit, or look for a local one, to establish a yearly cleaning schedule that includes more than just filter cleaning.

Make sure to schedule a checkup prior to the commencement of the cooling season (or if you haven’t had one earlier this year, do so now). Ensure that the checkup encompasses the following tasks:

Cleaning and inspecting coils
Cleaning or replacing filters
Adjusting and replacing fan belts
Lubricating motors and bearings
Cleaning and checking blowers and fans
Inspecting controls and safeties
Checking refrigerant and pressures
Verifying operating temperatures.

8. Get Airflow

When you close too many interior doors, it creates an imbalance in the central AC systems, resulting in reduced airflow throughout the entire house. In order to maintain privacy, it is advisable to leave the doors slightly open.

9. Upgrade for Efficiency

AC units are now subject to stricter federal efficiency requirements compared to a decade ago. To assess efficiency, SEER is used for central AC while EER is used for window units. The regulation specifies that a SEER of 13 and EER of 8 must be met, however, units with higher ratings will result in lower operating costs.

6 HVAC Tips for Homeowners

Maintain a regular schedule for maintenance.

If you don’t already have a proactive maintenance program for your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to schedule semi-annual service with a qualified HVAC service company.

They can make sure your system is operating at its most efficient settings and that parts or components are in good working order.

2. Operate your HVAC system at optimum and stable temperatures

The temperature you set your thermostat is largely a matter of personal comfort, but many systems have optimum temperature ranges that ensure they’re using energy efficiently.

Consult your owner’s manual or with your service technician to find out the most energy-efficient temperature range.

It’s also a good idea to avoid fluctuating temperatures too frequently, as this can make your HVAC system work harder and less efficiently.

3. Seal your home from drafts

Most people think about stopping air infiltration in colder winter months, but it’s also crucial during AC season.

Any air leak in your home robs your HVAC system of efficiency since that heated or cooled air is lost.

Ensure that all windows are shut and that doors have good weather seals before turning on the HVAC system.

4. Beef up your installation

Particularly in older homes, inadequate insulation is another factor that can lead to losing heated or cooled air from the HVAC system.

If you’re unsure about your home’s insulation levels, consult with an energy auditor or insulation professional for guidance.

5. Turn down the thermostat

Setting the thermostat to the coolest temperature in the winter or highest temperature you find comfortable can seem like a small step, but the energy savings can be substantial.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing your home’s temperature 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours at a time during the heating season can save you 5 to 15 percent in heating bills each year.

6. Use window treatments to help control temperature

Window coverings can have a big effect on your home’s heating or cooling load.

In cooler months, harness the sun’s free warmth by keeping curtains, blinds or drapes open on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight in.

Close them at night to add an extra layer of insulation between the glass and your home interior.

In the summer, keep window coverings closed during the day to reduce temperatures.