The luxury of walking into a cool room on a sweltering summer day may perhaps be one of the most under-appreciated advances of the 20th century. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or an HVAC system, provides the sort of comfort that is most noticeable when it is absent. Meaning, it is the thought of a moment to turn your indoor air conditioning or heating on, but becomes something you cannot stop thinking about as soon as it stops working.
HVAC companies recommend regular maintenance, such as changing the HVAC filters, for their heating and air conditioning systems. It is estimated a new system can last between 12 to 15 years if taken care of properly. This means taking a few steps to ensure your HVAC unit saves you money instead of costing you more.
Maintenance prevents future problems. Reliable heating and air systems are those that work without a hitch in performance. At a minimum, every three months should mean a change in HVAC filters. They are important not just for the health of your HVAC system, but for your health as well. HVAC filters catch allergens, which yes, cause an allergic reaction. That’s bad news, especially for those homes belonging to individuals prone to seasonal allergies; the elderly, and families with small children and pets.
Do you want to save money, or spend more? Trick question; you want to spend less. Installation by an HVAC contractor makes a difference. Units that are hooked up incorrectly will not operate correctly, costing up to 30% more on energy bills. Also, make sure when the unit is installed it has plenty of room for air to circulate. When installed in attics without some breathing room, energy bills rose an estimated 10 to 12%. It is not all on the installation though. Taking the time to program your thermostat could save you money throughout the year, up to $180 annually.
Your air conditioning unit may not be an appliance you think about regularly. However, it is to your benefit to make sure it stays that way. Regular maintenance by a certified professional will likely save you headaches (and money) in the long run.