Buying an HVAC system is a big decision and one that doesn’t come cheap. After the time and money spent selecting the right HVAC system for your Columbus, Georgia, home, you’ll want it to last as long as possible. Here are five ways to extend the life expectancy of your HVAC unit so you won’t have to spend more money to replace it prematurely.
Hire a Licensed HVAC Contractor
A botched installation by an unqualified contractor results in a poorly functioning unit that will require repairs to fix or replace.
Be wary of HVAC companies that offer installation at unusually cheap rates. Many have little or no formal qualifications and are not NATE certified. An incorrectly installed HVAC system causes poor efficiency, operational problems, and frequent repairs. It won’t be long before you’ll have to replace the entire system. Always hire a licensed contractor who will conduct a load calculation on your home to determine the correct size of the unit required. A correctly sized HVAC unit functions better, suffers less wear and tear, and lasts longer.
Find Natural Ways to Heat Your Home
Winter is hard on a home’s heating system, which usually works overtime to keep your home comfy. One of the easiest ways to reduce the burden on your HVAC system is to use it less. That doesn’t mean you have to suffer the cold. There are simple and natural ways to add warmth to your home and use the heating system less. Hanging heavy drapes on windows, adding rugs on tiled or wood floors, and opening blinds to let sunlight in during the day all add some extra warmth while keeping energy usage lower. You could also consider installing a fireplace. A warm crackling fire on a cold winter’s night is a great way to give your HVAC system a welcome break.
Use the Auto Fan Setting
If your HVAC system has an auto fan setting, turn it on. Most HVAC systems feature two fan settings: "on" and "auto." Most people, whether by choice or inadvertently, have it set to "on." This means your unit’s fan will run continuously. If you want to save energy, lower your electric bill, and ease the burden on your HVAC system, choose the "auto" setting instead. Switching to "auto" lets the fan run only when the system is actively heating or cooling. Some HVAC systems have dual-speed fans that switch to a slower fan speed between heating and cooling cycles.
Insulate Your Home
If your home is drafty, your HVAC system will be under strain. Air leaks cause cool air to escape during summer and let cold air in during winter. To compensate, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Insulating your home immediately boosts energy efficiency and lightens the load on your HVAC system. Sealing air leaks, installing double-pane windows, and improving attic insulation will all make your home more energy efficient.
To find out where your home is losing energy, contact us at Indoor Solutions, Inc. for an energy audit. We’ll identify trouble spots that could be costing you money. Once they are corrected or repaired, you could save as much as 30 percent on your energy bills.
Don’t Skip Tune-ups
You don’t drive your car without taking it for tune-ups, right? Servicing your car at regular intervals means you’ll have fewer breakdowns and better performance for years to come. The same applies to your HVAC unit. Many homeowners overlook or forget about HVAC maintenance. Regular maintenance will ensure that your HVAC unit enjoys a long and healthy life. At Indoor Solutions, Inc., we make it easy for you to stick to a maintenance schedule. Sign up for our convenient maintenance agreement, and we’ll make sure you don’t forget maintenance appointments.
Most HVAC systems are designed to last 15-20 years, provided they are properly maintained. If your heating unit is old and no longer keeping your Columbus home as comfortable as it used to, it may be time to replace it. For professional HVAC installations, call Indoor Solutions, Inc. at 706-225-8241. We’ll assess your home’s need and install the right size heating unit for the perfect comfort level.
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