Making a few simple adjustments to the HVAC system in your Auburn, Alabama, home can improve your system’s energy efficiency and drive down your utility bills. To increase your system’s efficiency, clean around the outside unit, clear the condensate drain line, change the air filter, and adjust the thermostat.
Clean Around the Outside Unit
Your outside unit works most efficiently when it’s clean and free of debris. Sweep away dirt and dust and trim landscaping around the unit, leaving a 2-foot radius. Wipe down the unit with a wet cloth to remove dust, but don’t spray it with a hose because too much water pressure can bend the fins surrounding the condenser coils.
Clear the Condensate Drain Line
Clear your condensate drain line a few times a year to prevent clogs and increase HVAC efficiency. Your drain line is a PVC pipe attached to the wall near the outdoor unit. To clear it, turn off your unit, remove the drain line cap, and pour half a cup of distilled white vinegar into the pipe. Let the vinegar sit for about 10 minutes before draining it. Finally, rinse the pipe with water and replace the cap.
Change Your Air Filter
Change your air filter regularly. If you wait too long between changes, dirt and dust accumulate on it, making it harder for your HVAC system to heat and cool your home. On average, you should change your filter every three months, but if you smoke, have pets that shed, or suffer from allergies, you may want to change it more often.
Adjust Your Thermostat
The most obvious and effective way to increase your HVAC’s efficiency is to turn your thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer. While it’s not always the most popular option, a temperature change of just four or five degrees can make a big difference in your utility bill.
If you need help performing any of these tasks or want more information about increasing the efficiency of your HVAC unit, give Indoor Solutions a call.
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