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Almost every house in America uses a comprehensive HVAC system to keep the inside temperatures tolerable all year long. Unfortunately, not everyone knows everything there is to know about keeping that system running optimally. Therefore, you may be interested to read how to reduce the energy costs of your HVAC in Charleston, WV, or wherever you live. Remember the Filter Changing the filter in your A/C unit is really easy to do. Yet, it's something that most homeowners constantly forget. After all, there are so many other things that have to get done around the house, including kitchen cleanup, vacuuming, dusting, mowing, and laundry. How often should you change the filter? Most experts recommend changing the filter on a monthly basis. You may need to change it more often when the A/C or heater is running nonstop. You may need to change it less often if the filter is specifically designed to last for 2 or 3 months. The hardest part is to remember to actually do it. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can help you remember to change the filter: - Mark it on your calendar
- Set a reminder on your phone
- Put a note inside of your checkbook
- Enlist your kids to help you remember
- Lump it with other monthly chores (such as paying bills)
But sometimes it's not just about remembering to change the filter. A lot of times, homeowners realize they need to change the filter but they don't have any new ones. That's why you should always stock up on filters. If you used the last one, then filters need to be added to your shopping list immediately. Insulate Your Home Your HVAC system works as hard as it can to keep your house at a good temperature. But you can preserve energy and extend the lifetime of your A/C by properly insulating your house. The more air can escape or get inside, the harder your HVAC has to work. Insulating your house doesn't have to be expensive. For example, you probably don't have to replace your attic's insulation to see a noticeable difference in energy consumption (but you should do it if your attic's insulation is wet or damaged). You can start by sealing your windows and doors using caulk, bubble wrap, and new sealants. Program the Thermostat Even if you have a brand new HVAC system, you can and should still make sure that it doesn't run needlessly. The best way to do this is to program the thermostat appropriately. Most people have a programmable thermostat, but not everyone really takes advantage of it. You should keep the temperature at a level where you're still comfortable, but it shouldn't be freezing in the summer and hot in the winter. The closer you are to outside temperatures, the better it is for your HVAC system. If you're gone for most of the day, then it's even more important to reduce energy consumption since nobody benefits when the HVAC is running at full speed. If you get home earlier than expected, you can always adjust the temperature manually to your liking. But chances are you won't even really notice the difference in temperature after coming in from the outside. Now if you haven't done so already, then you should go program that thermostat right now. Keep Your Rooms Open HVAC in Charleston, WV, and other areas of the country are built to provide airflow throughout your entire home. When you close doors, you actually restrict the airflow, making it more difficult to heat and cool rooms evenly. If you don't want to leave your doors wide open, you can just leave it open a little bit with a doorstep.
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