Spring is here! It is time to tune up your heating-and-cooling system to ensure it’s ready for summer. This month, we share what you should do and what a qualified heating-and-cooling technician should do to make sure your air conditioner or HVAC is running smoothly and efficiently.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranges from 10 to 25 percent. Dirty filters, coils and fans reduce airflow through the system, decrease performance and damage your system’s compressor.
Whether you cool your home with a window air conditioner or a central unit, yearly maintenance is key to efficiency and comfort. Make it a priority!
What you can do:
- Replace the air filter regularly; this is recommended monthly to provide efficient operation of your heat pump.
- Keep floor registers clean, and make sure they are not blocked by furniture or drapes.
- Keep the outside unit (coil) free of shrubs, leaves, grass, dirt or anything that would restrict airflow.
What a qualified HVAC technician can do:
- Check for damage or leaks in the HVAC ducts. Leaks in the ducts should be sealed with mastic tape.
- Clean the inside and outside coils and clear them of debris. Clogged coils don’t transfer heat easily and cause your unit to work harder.
- Verify adequate airflow by measurement.
- Inspect electric terminals, and, if necessary, clean and tighten connections and apply nonconductive coating.
- Lubricate motors and inspect belts for tightness and wear.
- Verify correct electric controls, making sure that heating is locked out when the thermostat calls for cooling and vice versa.
- Properly charge your heat pump with refrigerant. An under-charged or an over-charged unit will reduce comfort and increase costs.
Look for more energy-saving advice, helpful tips and myth-busters in future issues of The Tennessee Magazine, and visit our website at www.dremc.com for additional ways to save.
Pat Garrett
DREMC Residential Energy Advisor
