Keeping a comfortable temperature in your Orlando home even during the hot Florida summer months need not cause higher energy bills or even increased energy consumption. Maintain your HVAC system regularly and properly and you will not only be paying a smaller monthly energy bill but also be helping the environment by releasing less ozone-depleting carbon particles.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist
It is oftentimes advisable to hire a professional HVAC service provider to properly and regularly maintain your home’s cooling and heating system. But there are still some things you can do yourself to keep your HVAC system in good repair in between professional maintenance visits.
- Check your air filter regularly, and change it as often as necessary. Keep this in mind especially during the summer months when greater demand is placed on your AC system because of soaring outdoor temperatures. For the rest of the year, it is advisable to change your filter every three months.
- If you have a central cooling and heating system, make sure all your insulating ducts are firmly and properly sealed. This prevents cool air from escaping and hot outside air from entering your house, thus maintaining an even temperature without using up more energy. Properly sealed AC and heating ducts mean your HVAC system does not have to work as hard to keep you comfortable, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a lower energy bill at the same time.
- Consider replacing your HVAC system if it is more than 10 years old and showing signs of wear and tear such as uneven temperatures throughout your house or increasingly erratic performance. A new HVAC system with Energy Star certification can cut your yearly energy costs by as much as $200.
Proper and regular maintenance of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system gives you a safe and comfortable home environment as well as a lower energy bill; it can also help decrease your carbon footprint significantly.
