It's normal to develop habits and routines, but bad habits related to your HVAC system can be detrimental to your home comfort, the equipment's lifespan and your costs for heating and cooling.
Here are some common bad HVAC habits and how to turn them into good ones:
FORGETTING ABOUT THE AIR FILTER
The air filter in your HVAC system is there to capture debris and keep it from accumulating on and damaging key components. Allowing the filter to clog up can cause premature wear and a decline in energy efficiency, so be sure to check it once a month and replace it when you see signs of debris buildup. If you've had a filtration unit added to the system, ask your Valley technician about the recommended schedule for filter checks and changes.
FREQUENT FIDDLING WITH THE THERMOSTAT
If your home often feels too cool or hot and you've grown accumstomed to making manual temperature setting adjustments on the thermostat, you're likely wasting energy and putting extra strain on the HVAC components too. Instead, it's better to set a schedule on your programmable thermostat that's in tune with your family's daily routine, or upgrade to a learning model for inuitive, effortless temperature control.
PUTTING OFF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
It's easy to put off and forget about having your HVAC equipment serviced regularly, but routine preventive care is vital to keep it running efficiently and avoid breakdowns or premature failures. Signing a planned maintenance agreement is the worry-free way to ensure that your heating and cooling system stays running at peak performance thanks to timely inspections, cleanings and tuneups.
LETTING AIRFLOW GET OUT OF WHACK
If you keep doors or HVAC registers closed in seldom-used rooms, block return vents with furniture or household items, or let the outdoor unit become surrounded by vegetation/yard debris, you're restricting crucial system airflow. To prevent performance, reliability and comfort issues, kick these habits so air stays flowing freely through your HVAC system.
For help developing good HVAC habits in your home, visit our Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar website or give us a call at (408) 868-5500.