As much as you rely on your HVAC system to keep you comfortable in the chilly Elyria and Oberlin area springs, chances are there are a few things you don’t know about it. Getting more familiar with your system will help you keep it running reliably and efficiently.
How often does my HVAC system need professional care? A professional maintenance inspection is a must for both your furnace and air conditioner every year. During the season, your equipment collects dust and may develop issues such as loose wires. These problems reduce the system’s energy efficiency and accelerate wear. Annual maintenance keeps your system efficient and extends its life.
Do the ducts require maintenance? At least once a year, check the connections in your duct system to make sure they’re snuggly fit and sealed with mastic or metal-backed tape. Inspect the insulation on the ducts in unconditioned spaces. Once every five years, schedule a professional duct inspection to check for dust buildup, moisture issues, and other problems.
How can I reduce my heating and cooling costs? Keeping your system well maintained is a good start. That means changing the air filter on schedule and regularly cleaning the outdoor condenser unit in addition to scheduling routine professional maintenance. For help sticking with an energy-efficient temperature schedule, try a programmable thermostat.
Does it matter what kind of filter I use? Standard 1-inch fiberglass filters are sufficient for keeping most debris out of your system. If you want cleaner air, though, choose a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 5 to 12. The higher the MERV number, the more efficient the filter is at trapping air contaminants.
How do I decide between repairing and replacing? Your furnace and A/C become less efficient with each passing year. If your system is more than 10 years old and requires repairs twice a year or more, it’s usually more cost-effective to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model.
For professional guidance on caring for your HVAC system, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning in the Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area