Homeowners are turning to HVAC systems to maintaining a heating system through the wintry months, and a cooling system through the hot, hot summers. Sometimes, it can seem like the HVAC unit is a bit more sluggish than usual or waning on the electric bill.
However, there are ways to maximize the efficiency of your home’s system without sacrificing your comfort and the comfort of those you share your home with.
Calling In a Technician
When it comes to getting your unit running at its absolute best, a NATE-certified technician can increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. A technician with North American Technician Excellence, or NATE, certification undergoes a test validating their working knowledge and abilities in repairing, maintaining, and installing HVAC systems. Once a contractor passes certification, they go on to take a specialty test in areas to find their strengths.
NATE-certified technicians can increase the efficiency of your system through maintenance and proper installation. This assures that your system is in good hands, with an understanding of basic construction, chimneys, electricity, air quality, and roofing to pass their certification. Those NATE-certified contractors must also have knowledge in HAZMAT regulations and governmental guidelines, making sure they are safe on the job and so is your household.
Those who are NATE-certified have a broad range of knowledge across many fields related to HVAC repair and installation. They have real-world experience so they not only know what to do, but they also know how to do it.
Changing Thermostat Habits
Let’s face it. We’re all guilty of running to the thermostat and cranking it up during the winter months to stay nice and warm. We’re also guilty of repeating those actions when summertime rolls around and we want to ramp up the air conditioning. However, experimenting with different settings to find the most comfortable temperatures could actually make a slight difference in figuring out your monthly electric bill.
Of course, experts will commonly recommend 72 degrees as the yearlong setting. It doesn’t hurt to set your commercial HVAC system one notch lower or higher in the summer and winter respectively. Figuring out air distribution and proper temps can also be aided by a programmable thermostat. This is ideal for people who are out of the house for much of the week. With automatic settings to cool or heat your home at a given time, it’s a great way to save roughly $200 annually on your energy costs.
Regular HVAC Upkeep
Purchasing an HVAC system requires routine maintenance by either you as a homeowner or a licensed technician. Regularly cleaning and changing air filters monthly, especially during heavy use times of the summer and winter, can keep airflow steady. This also prevents dirt and dust from clogging up ductwork, which not only reduces proper ventilation but exhausts the HVAC unit, ruining its long-term usage.
A NATE-certified technician can even help you properly seal and insulate ducts to improve the efficiency of an HVAC system by as much as 20 percent. Going from the attic of your home down to the crawlspace, duct sealant, or metal-backed tape to seal up seams and connections.
Through this routine upkeep, you can avoid expenses down the line in the same way you avoid hidden costs you’ll encounter in hospitals. Checking up on your HVAC system is a lot like checking up on your health care plan since you’re just trying to avoid out-of-pocket costs. Double billing, overcharges, and even rogue fees through your insurance company can throw a wrench in your plans long term, but also could have impacts on the quality of care. Like being a homeowner, do what is right for you in the long run.
