Below are efficiency tips and saftey information relating to your Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. If you would like assistance or more information about HVAC related issues, please contact our office. We are here to assist you and to help maintain a comfortable and safe home for you and your family!
- As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills.
- Check filters monthly and replace as needed. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder which will increase your utility bill.
- Help keep the outdoor condenser fan running efficiently by cleaning the fan blades and the coils before each cooling season.
- Keep vegetation at least 2 feet away from outdoor units on each side and above. Aim grass clippings away from the unit when mowing the lawn. During the fall, keep the fan grill free of leaves.
- Lubricate the condenser fan motor once a year if it has oil ports.
- If possible, shade the outdoor compressor unit. Air in shaded space is typically 5 to 6 degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Proper shading can be up to 10 percent more efficient over a cooling season.
- Check all gas and oil connections. Leaking connections are health hazards and contribute to the nearly 8,000 house fires every year due to under maintained HVAC systems.
- If your HVAC system is 10 years or older, consider replacing it with a more efficient system. You will instantly feel and see the difference and your environment will love you for it.
- Each degree of temperature can represent up to 9 percent savings in cooling costs.
- Most HVAC warranties and home warranty companies require proof of professional preventative maintenance. If you need preventative maintenance, register for a Precision Maintenance Agreement today!
- Check the refrigerant charge and adjust when necessary to meet manufacturer specifications. Too little or too much refrigerant can damage the compressor and decrease the life of your equipment.
- A dirty indoor evaporator coil will hinder the unit's ability to cool the air moving through the unit and will greatly increase your monthly bill if not maintained. Coil should be cleaned twice per year.
- Using a programmable thermostat properly will maximize comfort, convenience and energy savings year round.
- In typical houses, about 20% of the air moving through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. The result is an inefficient HVAC system, high utility bills and difficulty keeping the house at the desired temperature. Have your ducts inspected.
- You can receive tax credits for buying energy efficient products. Know your SEER and EER ratings to apply for additional tax credits. Call Precision for more information.
- During the hot months, evaporator coils will condense causing moisture to collect and drip. This can cause water damage in the house and will breed algae and bacteria if not cleaned and maintained properly.
- Duct system should be cleaned every three years to rid dust, dirt, allergens and mold.