How to Improve Performance From Your HVAC System

As a homeowner, you instinctively know when your home’s efficiency is down. When the electric bill shoots up, and you start to feel cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer, you know it’s time to ask the professionals for tricks of the trade.

There are plenty of places where your house’s efficiency could be enhanced. Sealing off your home from the elements is one of the best ways to keep your HVAC system from working overtime and wearing down quickly. Luckily, HVAC professionals want to share a few tips on how to keep your home operating at peak efficiency.

More Insulation Improves Heat Retention

A quick look around your house can give you a good idea about where to increase your home’s insulation. Even if your house is only a few years old, upgrading a few trouble spots can help your HVAC system maintain your house’s temperature.

It’s not just about the insulation in the walls and ceiling, it’s about making sure you don’t have gaps in your window and door frames. Window gaps can be sealed fairly quickly and with minimal tools and know-how.

Silicone sealant and caulk both work well to close any small gaps you may find around your windows. As for your doors, weather stripping for the frame and a door sweep for the bottom can help to block air from outside getting inside, and vice-versa.

Use Curtain and Screens To Regulate Temperatures

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to completely seal off your house from the elements. Windows, no matter how new or expertly-installed, tend to be an entryway for cold air and hot sunlight. Luckily, using screens and curtains can help to minimize the temperature difference, keeping your family comfortable all year long.

Window screens can do more than stop bugs from getting into your house when you have the windows open. They also help to block the sun’s rays. While regular screens do this to a degree, solar screens are specially designed to fend off sunlight and help keep your home cool. Curtains on the inside can help tremendously. Heavy curtains work well in the winter to further insulate your house. If you have drafty windows, you can purchase special blackout curtains for extra protection.

The Fan Can Help Too

Properly using your house fans can do much to move air around and regulate temperature. A good fan can assist your HVAC system in keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. During the warm months, your ceiling fans should be set to run counterclockwise.

This creates a downdraft that helps to push warm air toward the ceiling and also creates a cooling effect on the skin. In the winter, a clockwise rotation serves to move warm air toward the floor, helping to heat the house.

A fan on in the winter may seem strange, but it truly does help. Next time you see a spike in your usage bill, turn your attention to your insulation, curtains, screens, and fans. A little bit of preparation goes a long way to prevent common HVAC problems.

About Sky HVAC

Dedicated to making your life better – and taking it easy on your wallet – Sky HVAC is your certified, insured, and professional heating & air company. They’ve been serving happy customers in Charlotte, NC with residential and commercial HVAC services for years backed by their 100% satisfaction guarantee.