Is Your HVAC System Running Efficiently?
Your home feels cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but are you confident that your HVAC system is as energy efficient as it can be? It’s one of those things that because you don’t see it, you don’t think much about it. The truth is, you should be thinking about it to make sure you are getting the most out of your system.
Your HVAC unit is comprised of all kinds of components that work together to give you a climate-controlled home that runs efficiently while saving money and providing comfort. To assure that you’re getting all of these things, let’s review some warning signs that your system may be sending to let you know it’s not as efficient as it should be.
Uncomfortable humidity indoors: Your A/C unit is designed to remove interior humidity, dry the air, and send cool comfortable air back into your home. If you notice that the air inside feels damp and stuffy, there’s a chance that your HVAC unit is not functioning properly. In many cases, you might have dirty coils which need to be inspected and cleaned. To make sure this is done as thoroughly as possible; a professional technician should be called in to do the job.
High energy bills: Over time we expect to see small increases in our electric bills, but if your bills show a huge fluctuation, it’s time to check things out. First, take a look at past energy bills to see if they rose significantly during the cooling or heating months in prior years. If not, it’s time to schedule an inspection with an experienced HVAC technician to find out if your system is the culprit. Any number of things could be causing the cost increase so you want to make sure everything is checked.
You have your HVAC company on speed dial: If you find that you make frequent calls to your HVAC servicing company, for ‘this or that’ not working right, chances are good that your system is not running efficiently and repairs or replacement will be needed. A good way to avoid this endless cycle of phone calls is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance.
The A/C is constantly running: It may seem like your home never quite cools off and the unit is constantly running. This can be caused by any number of things like leaky ductwork, a bad thermostat, dirty coils, a failing condenser, or low coolant. Regardless of the reason, all can cause spikes in energy usage leading to higher bills. Don’t try to troubleshoot the problem yourself as you may cause further damage to the unit. Contact a professional for maintenance.
The temperature varies from room to room: Another indicator that you have a problem is when you notice that the temperature is different in various rooms. It could be the ductwork, the thermostat, or any number of other things not operating efficiently. Bring in a professional to inspect and advise.
Your unit is over 10 years old: New units are up to 60% more energy efficient than older units. Replacement may out-weigh the exorbitant monthly bills you are paying. Contact Texas heating and air to come out and evaluate your system and present you with options.
Energy efficiency is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to your HVAC system. It not only saves you money but keeps you more comfortable and prolongs the life of the system. Regular HVAC maintenance will diagnose current problems as well as stop future issues. Texas Ace Heating & Air, serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area, offers a full-service preventive maintenance program to ensure you are running efficiently. Give us a call at 817-240-6701 or contact us to find out more about HVAC maintenance programs.