Residents in Wesley Chapel experience a milder winter than most places in the country, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a sudden and unexpected cold snap at some point.
As winter sets in, homeowners consider their heating needs and how to maintain efficiency and avoid often higher utility costs that come with the season.
Quality and credentialed heating and cooling professionals like those with Instant A/C aim to inform and educate homeowners on achieving optimum function and efficiency with their equipment. The best way to have an optimized system is following a preventive approach to care and upkeep.
A reputable and reliable HVAC company will perform regular inspections and tune-ups to ensure the components are in good condition and operating effectively. They can detect early signs of problems arising and take care of these before they can cause damage or break the system down.
Let’s review the proactive steps you can take as a homeowner to keep the equipment performing proficiently.
Expert Tips for Maintaining a High-Performing Heating and Cooling System
The home’s HVAC system is vital and also intricate, requiring standard care and upkeep as part of a Florida homeowner’s household maintenance to ensure optimum performance. Service experts contribute to its effectiveness by annually inspecting and servicing the system.
An energy-efficient home starts with cultivating a sense of comfort and keeping monthly costs to a minimum. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you make strategic changes to achieve your energy consumption and monthly expense objectives.
Visit 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor | ENERGY STAR – for tips on finding a qualified heating and cooling professional. What are some ways to work toward this end? Let’s learn.
System upgrade
Half of the energy costs in the household are from the heating and cooling system. When the equipment exceeds its lifespan, it will need to work a little harder, stay on longer, which means consuming more energy to reach the desired comfort level.
Oversized HVAC units commonly short cycle, leading to poor humidity control, uneven cooling and heating, and premature wear and tear on the components.
When air ducts are neglected, they can develop leaks or damage, resulting in wasted energy and a system that must overperform to achieve a designated temperature.
Professional HVAC contractors recommend upgrading to the proper size unit, having the air ducts inspected with preventive maintenance, and switching to a programmable thermostat for precise temperature settings based on your lifestyle.
Click here for reasons HVAC equipment breaks down and affordable solutions to prevent it.
Inefficient lighting
If you’re still using old incandescent bulbs, these waste considerable energy because they produce heat. This causes extra work for the HVAC as it attempts to regulate the home’s temperature.
Switching to LED bulbs for lower energy consumption and extended longevity is recommended. Lights should also be switched off when not in the room and electronic devices should be unplugged until ready to use them.
Window and door leaks
With gaps around windows and doors, warm air can escape in the winter, and the summer heat invades the house, resulting in a lot of energy loss and a strain on the heating and cooling system.
If it’s not in your budget to replace the windows, weather stripping and caulk can help close some of the gaps. If you do have the funds to invest in new windows, the recommendation is to choose the low-E or low-emissivity coated multi-pane option.
The air-filled layer between the outer layer and the interior glass helps to reduce energy loss.
Water heaters
Among the biggest energy wasters is a worn, aged water heater, especially when the temperature setting is at an extreme or the unit is oversized compared to the home’s needs. Uninsulated pipes cause water heater inefficiency, adding to monthly costs.
The recommendation is to become familiar with tankless water heater benefits, a system that provides hot water on demand. If this isn’t a viable option, wrap the pipes and unit in insulation to achieve the greatest efficiency and lower the temp setting to 120 degrees F.
Regular water heater preventive maintenance is critical to keep the unit operating at peak performance for an extended lifespan.
Poor insulation
The flooring, walls, and attic should be adequately insulated to avoid the probability of losing heat and, thereby, experiencing high monthly costs.
High-quality insulation retains heat in the winter months and keeps the sweltering Florida summer heat outside. That prevents the heating and cooling equipment from overexerting.
Many types of insulation are available, including loose-fill cellulose, fiberglass rolls, and foam. Using a certified contractor is suggested for putting in the insulation based on experience and high-quality effort. Retrofitting the attic is a straightforward approach to insulating an existing property.
Final Thought
Regardless of whether you living in a warmer climate like Wesley Chapel, Florida, or the bitter cold of Michigan, everyone wants to achieve the highest performance, greatest efficiency for their household.
Fortunately, professional heating and cooling specialists can educate and inform you on how to accomplish your energy goals when performing your annual preventive maintenance.
