Posted on | by LeBrun Electric, Heating & Cooling
Prevent Common Heating and Cooling Errors
Homeowners aiming to lower energy bills and enhance home comfort should start the new year using smarter heating and cooling practices. Many common habits unknowingly drive up utility costs, reduce HVAC efficiency, and increase the likelihood of expensive repairs and replacements.
By making simple adjustments, homeowners can optimize their HVAC system’s performance, cut energy expenses, and maintain a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. To help achieve these goals, this post will share actionable tips designed to improve system efficiency and ensure reliable operation.
Change Air Filters
Regularly replacing AC and furnace filters is one of the easiest and most impactful ways homeowners can maintain system efficiency and improve indoor air quality. Experts recommend swapping out filters every 1 to 3 months to ensure heating and cooling systems operate at their best.
Furnace and AC filters capture dust, dirt, and allergens, preventing these particles from negatively impacting the system or circulating through the home. Clean filters enhance airflow, improve air quality, improve efficiency, lower energy bills, and alleviate stress on the HVAC system, helping extend its lifespan and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
Neglecting this simple air filter replacement task can lead to several issues. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and consume more energy, which drives up utility bills. It can also create inconsistent temperatures and accelerate wear and tear, increasing the chances of costly repairs or premature system replacements.
Homes with pets, allergy-prone individuals, or high dust levels should prioritize more frequent filter changes to maintain a healthy living environment. By making air filter replacements a regular habit, homeowners can enjoy better air quality, lower energy costs, and a more reliable HVAC system that delivers year-round comfort.
Open Air Vents
A common HVAC mistake many homeowners make is closing air vents in unused rooms, assuming it will save energy. Unfortunately, this practice can harm the system and lead to a range of issues:
- Increased System Strain: With fewer vents open, the HVAC system must work harder to maintain proper airflow, putting undue stress on the blower motor and ductwork. This can lead to premature wear and tear and costly repairs.
- Uneven Temperatures: Blocking vents disrupts airflow, causing hot and cold spots throughout the home, making it harder to achieve consistent comfort in all areas.
- Higher Energy Costs: Restricted airflow reduces the system’s efficiency, forcing it to consume more energy and increasing utility bills.
Installing a programmable or smart thermostat is a more effective way to save energy. These devices allow homeowners to optimize energy use by adjusting temperatures based on their routines. For instance, households can adjust the temperature when they’re away or on vacation and have it return to a comfortable setting before they come home.
Keeping vents open and adopting smarter energy-saving habits can enhance HVAC performance, improve efficiency, and extend the lifespan of the system. This approach ensures consistent comfort while keeping energy costs under control.
Book Routine HVAC Maintenance
Many homeowners make the common mistake of failing to schedule regular heating and air conditioner maintenance. However, this can lead to big problems. It can cause decreased efficiency, higher costs, frequent repairs, and a shortened system lifespan.
Prioritizing routine HVAC care is essential for keeping systems running smoothly and reliably. Homeowners who invest in air conditioning and heating maintenance enjoy several significant advantages, including:
- Early Problem Detection: Professional technicians can identify and address small issues before they turn into expensive repairs or total system failures.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained AC and heating system operates more efficiently, consuming less energy and reducing utility bills.
- Extended System Lifespan: Regular care helps minimize wear and tear, allowing the system to function effectively longer and delaying the need for a costly replacement.
Forgetting to schedule routine air conditioning maintenance can have numerous negative impacts on households, including inefficiency, higher operational costs, a shorter lifespan of heating and cooling equipment, and unexpected problems and breakdowns.
Experts advise scheduling professional maintenance twice a year to keep HVAC systems in top condition—once for the heater and once for the air conditioner. These tune-ups ensure systems are prepared to handle seasonal demands and to keep the house comfortable. By committing to regular maintenance, homeowners can improve energy efficiency, save money on repairs and utility bills, and enjoy peace of mind knowing their systems are ready to perform when needed—especially on freezing cold, hot, and humid days.
About LeBrun Electric, Heating & Cooling
The experienced team at LeBrun Electric, Heating & Cooling provides quality services throughout the Twin Cities. They offer 24/7 emergency services, on-time appointments, and 0% financing for 18 months. Call them today for air conditioning and heating services in Maple Grove, MN.