If you live in or have ever visited Seminole Texas, you will agree that it can be quite hot during the summer. As a result, most residents have their HVAC air conditioner working overtime to battle the heat. The downside to this action is that it increases the cost of your energy bill.
It has been revealed that your HVAC system might account for about 12% of the annual energy expenditure of your home. And during the summer months, it might account for about 70%. Therefore, this has caused many homeowners to seek means and methods whereby they can maximize the efficiency of their air conditioning unit and save a lot of money.
And we believe you to be one of such homeowners which is why you are reading this in the first place. Therefore, in this article, we will reveal certain tips that will help you maximize your HVAC efficiency.
So, let’s get started…
Unclog and Vacuum the Vents – Tip #1
This is a great way to enhance your HVAC efficiency. Move around your home and locate all the vents. They are usually on the floor or the ceiling. Once you’ve taken stock of them, then you need to swing into action.
Open the vents and try to take out any debris you find. After doing that, if the mouth of your vacuum cleaner can get into the vent hole, stick it in and vacuum it. Doing this will improve the airflow within the house.
Keep the Unit’s Drain Line Clear – Tip #2
Your HVAC unit has a drain that is located next to the indoor cooling coil. This drain line has to be clear if you truly want to increase efficiency.
To clear the drain line, simply pour into the drain a cup of chlorine bleach. Then rinse it with clean water.
You can check the drain lines outside and reduce the dirt or mulch that’s covering them. This will also prevent it from getting blocked by the dirt.
Close Every Windows and Doors – Tip #3
This is a silly mistake that many people make, and do not know that it can reduce the efficiency of their air conditioner. When doors or windows are opened, the air that has been conditioned goes outside.
If you must open your doors or windows for a space of time; probably to let fresh air into the house, then ensure you turn off the air conditioning system. Leaving it on while opening the windows or doors is counter-productive.
Cover the Windows – Tip #4
You have to shut the blinds or pull down the curtains (depending on the window covering of your home) to shut out the heat. If the windows are not covered, the heat from the sun can still come in and this will cause the conditioner to work more than it should.
You can cover the windows in the morning while going to work and open them in the late afternoon when you return home. At this time, the sun’s heat has reduced.
Fix Air Leaks – Tip #5
If there are any leaks around the windows, under the doors, or in the attic, it could reduce the conditioning efficiency. This is almost similar to tip #2 but is different in the sense that you aren’t aware of such leaks.
Hence, go around your home and check the list of the areas we mentioned above. And if you find any leaks, fix them.
Clean the Outside Condenser Unit – Tip #6
This unit of your HVAC also requires being clean if you truly want to improve efficiency. However, we are not saying you have to clean it every day, rather regular monthly cleaning will go a long way in maintaining it.
The cleaning majorly involves the removal of debris. Since this process can be a bit tricky, you must have adequate knowledge on how to clean it before you start. And if you don’t, it is best you call the professionals to help you. You can visit Gulf Coast Heating & AC of Seminole to learn how you can contact such professionals.
Provide Shade for the Outside Condenser Unit – Tip #7
The condenser unit outside your house takes the brunt of the summer heat. And as a result, its effectiveness is affected negatively because it will also work harder than it should. Therefore, to prevent this, we advise that you provide a suitable shade for it.
Move Away Any Heat-Producing Appliance that is Close to your Thermostat – Tip #8
The thermostat of your HVAC is responsible for measuring the temperature of your home. If it is close to an appliance or device that produces heat, the reading will be affected.
As a result, the thermostat will cause the HVAC unit to expend more air so that it can cool the house. This, in turn, will increase your overall energy expenditure. So, if there is an appliance like that close to your thermostat, we advise that you move them to another location.
Increase the Thermostat’s Temperature – Tip #9
This little adjustment can increase the air conditioner’s efficiency and save you a lot of money. Increasing the temperature to 8° from 5° during the summer months will go a long way in boosting efficiency.
Insulate Exposed Ductwork – Tip #10
If you have any exposed ductwork anywhere in the house, it is recommended you insulate them. This is necessary since those areas are unconditioned.
If you cannot fix it yourself, then it is best you get professionals to help you out. Trust us when we say that the cost is way less compared to the energy expenditure of your HVAC system.
Conclusion
With these sure tips, you are guaranteed to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC unit. So, what are you waiting for, go ahead and start implementing them.
