Energy Efficient HVAC for Cooler Months

As fall slowly gives way to winter at the close of this year, smart homeowners begin to assess their preparedness for the colder months to come.  If snow is coming, you may check to see if you have a supply of snow shovels, pavement salt, sleds for the kids, and the like.  For a big ice storm, you may check to see if your backup generator is working and putting out enough amps to power your refrigerator.  Additionally, you may check your supplies of needed prescriptions, food, and in 2020, check to see if you have enough toilet paper stockpiled for potential shortages.

All of these are great ways to be ready for the colder weather on the horizon, but have you considered ways to ensure your HVAC system is ready for what's to come?  Here are three ways to check to see if your HVAC system is running as efficiently as it should.

1. Higher than normal utility bills.  Yes, nearly all of us have higher bills in December mostly due to declining temperatures and holiday festivities, but if those bills remain high during January and February, there may be an issue.  In particular, if electric bills are high but your system should be using natural gas or other heating systems, there could be an issue with the system using backup electric heat.  
2. You notice humidity in your home.  This is a fairly common event in the summers, especially here in the Raleigh/Wake Forest/Rolesville area, but it should always be relatively low in the wintertime.  If you notice that the air in your home feels humid, this may be an indicator that your system is not keeping up with maintaining balance in your house.
3. Your unit is constantly on the fritz.  How many times in the last year have you had to call for service on your HVAC system?  If you’ve had more than one “event” in the past twelve months, it may be time to consider some changes with your system.

If you are concerned that your unit(s) aren’t getting the job done, there are some steps you can take to help your system work for you.  First, check yoru air filters and be sure to stay on a consistent schedule for replacement.  I know, I know, we say this all the time, but this is one of the easiest steps you can take to help keep your system running at its peak all the time!  Also, check your outside compressor for dirt, debris, and any damage you can see.  Make sure you keep the airflow clear for this unit, and take note of any unusual sounds you may hear.  Also, be sure you have a service agreement in place with us.  We will come out twice a year and ensure that all routine maintenance is performed and any problems are handled in a timely manner.

So often, we take our HVAC systems for granted, but this needn’t be the case.  By paying attention and keeping up with some basic prevention steps we can help keep our systems running to the best of their ability.  Of course, if you have questions or have a system that isn’t running at its peak, please give us a call and our friendly, helpful team can get you back to the comfort you deserve!