Air conditioning is one of those things that everybody wants, but most people don’t fully understand. A sophisticated technology that most people take for granted, air conditioning has the power to provide significant comfort during the summer in areas like Rohnert Park, where temperatures can soar, and you can soak your clothes with sweat just by going outside for a few minutes. However, air conditioning also has the potential to be costly, and without proper maintenance, it may not work properly. That’s not to say you should shy away from using your HVAC—in fact; you’ll probably need one when the weather gets intense. You just have to educate yourself a bit on how to treat your system so that you can get the most out of it. The reality of proper air conditioning is that it takes an investment of time and energy—but that investment doesn’t have to be extreme.
We all want to be able to use our air conditioners, but we don’t want to incur ridiculous utility bills or experience interruptions to their functions. The good news is, the more you learn about how your HVAC works, the more you can avoid either of those scenarios. It is possible to have a cost-effective and reliable HVAC unit—in fact, by following a few steps it becomes easy. Here’s what you need to know about how to use your unit:
Preventative Maintenance Saves Money
The largest costs faced by most HVAC owners arise in two areas: charges for utility bills and repair or service fees. If you want to keep your air conditioner cost-effective, you’ll want to take some steps to ensure that it’s working properly, so that it doesn’t waste power or wear out expensive parts too soon.
Wasting power is a major concern for many HVAC owners. A common expectation of HVAC ownership is that your unit will continue to function properly over years of use unless an obvious incident occurs, like a major leak. Unfortunately, the reality of owning an HVAC is entirely different. Wear-and-tear occurs gradually as an HVAC is used, and unless it is regularly identified and solved, it can result in a significant loss of energy efficiency for your cooling unit. The ultimate consequence is higher electricity costs—not something that anyone living in Rohnert Park wants to face.
Making Your Unit More Energy Efficient
If you own an HVAC, there are several things you should be doing on a regular basis to ensure it uses power efficiently. First and foremost, you should consult your user manual and look for information on your HVAC’s optimum temperature range. This is the range of temperatures at which your HVAC makes the best use of electricity. Additionally, setting your thermostat back by 10-15 degrees for at least eight hours during stretches of warm weather can save you up to 15 percent in utility costs.
Proper usage must be combined with proper maintenance for best results, which is why you’ll have to do some legwork to keep your unit functioning the way you prefer. Keep your filters clean by checking them at least once a month for dirt and debris that could prevent them from letting fresh air into your outdoor unit. Reduced airflow can overwork your compressor, which eats up a lot of power and puts a significant strain on your system. You’ll also want to make sure your outdoor unit isn’t near anything that could fall inside and clog up the works, like twigs, piles of leaves or insect nests. Once every week or so when the weather is nice, take a walk around the outdoor unit and move any loose items nearby to at least a few feet away.
Saving Money on Maintenance and Keeping Your Unit Functional
Energy efficiency does wonders for your monthly bills, but did you know that it also saves you money on repairs? This is because a system that works too hard is also prone to various mechanical failures, which can increase your odds of needing to call a technician or replace expensive components. You should have an HVAC technician visit you once or twice a year for routine service, but taking good care of your unit between these visits can prevent you from having to call them more often than necessary. Since HVAC parts can also be extremely expensive, you want to keep your system healthy for as long as possible.
Do the Homework and Reap the Benefits
Owning an HVAC is a luxury, but it’s a luxury you have to respect. Love your air conditioner, and don’t take it for granted. You’ll find that putting in the time and effort to keep your unit clean results in fresher air and a healthier pocketbook. Contact us for more information.
The Impact of Seasonal Adjustments on Your HVAC System
One often overlooked aspect of maintaining your HVAC unit in Rohnert Park is the importance of adjusting your system seasonally. While most people focus on basic maintenance like filter changes and thermostat settings, optimizing your HVAC for seasonal shifts can greatly enhance its efficiency and lifespan. For instance, during the cooler months, you can switch your thermostat to “auto” mode rather than “on” to prevent your system from running continuously. This small change can reduce energy consumption and prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your system.
Additionally, consider using ceiling fans in conjunction with your HVAC during summer. Many people don’t realize that running a ceiling fan can allow you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort. This simple change can lead to a significant reduction in energy use, making your HVAC more cost-effective. Implementing these small seasonal adjustments can not only keep your home comfortable year-round but also help extend the life of your system while keeping your energy bills in check.