A whopping 45 percent of the average household energy bill goes to heating and cooling. According to Energy Star, that is roughly 400 dollars in just cooling costs a year. The more energy used on heating or cooling our homes, the more dependent we are on coal,. Believe it or not, about half of the energy in the American grid is still produced from coal.
Granted, home heating technology has improved over the years. Thanks to an invention by Franz San Galli in the 1850s, we were given the radiator to inspire us to create central heating. Even though central heating is leaps and bounds above a radiator, we do still need to tend to our HVAC units in order to ensure the most productivity for the least usage of energy. A properly running unit not only saves you money, but helps the environment in the process.
Should you not feel comfortable cleaning or repairing your unit on your own, you can always call an HVAC contractor for a variety of HVAC services. And there are some simple things that you can look for to determine whether or not you need HVAC maintenance.
If your unit is no longer producing cold air, no matter what temperature it is set to, do not simply keep setting the temperature lower. That will only add even more stress to the workings. The problem may lie with something as simple as dirty evaporator coils in need of cleaning. An HVAC contractor can diagnose this and fix it in no time.
If the unit begins making unusual knocks, ticks or pings while it is running, there is a chance that a moving part has been knocked off balance, or that some hardware has come loose. If your energy bills are higher than usual, you can almost assuredly blame an old or un maintained unit. If only certain rooms are uncomfortable, your HVAC unit may need a repair, as it is intended to heat or cool the house evenly, no matter the temperature.
If you notice too much humidity or dryness throughout the house, it could be a sign of faulty duct work. If the unit is overdue on its regular inspection that could very easily explain any problems you may be experiencing. It is best to keep your HVAC unit maintained regularly, as it will save you money. It keeps the unit running efficiently, extends the life of the unit, and means you spend less in big repairs.
