You’ve probably relied on an air conditioning system to keep your Sarasota, Florida, home cool your entire life. It’s easy to fall into certain home comfort habits over time, but these strategies may not be the best choice for your energy efficiency or indoor air quality. Avoid these common mistakes.
Ignoring the Filter
Your HVAC system relies on a filter to capture dust, dirt, and bacteria as they circulate through the house. If the filter gets clogged, your system will struggle to pull air through the dirty surface. A dirty filter will reduce both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. You should change the filter once every one to three months to keep it in top condition. Don’t wait for your annual HVAC visit for this quick and easy task.
Cooling an Empty House
Though you may want to come home to a cool house in the summer, it’s not necessary to leave your system on high all day. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to begin cooling before you walk in the door so the house is comfortable by the time you get there. However, you should leave the temperature higher during the day while the house is empty. Maintaining a set point for at least eight hours at a time is the best way to improve energy efficiency.
Keeping the System Off
In spring, it’s tempting to turn your system off entirely and throw open the windows to the outdoor air. This is fine on occasion, but you should remember that you have no way to filter air that comes in from outside. If anyone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies, you should keep your air conditioner on and your windows closed. This ensures that your air is passing through a filter where allergens and irritants are removed.
For more information on maximizing home comfort and using and maintaining your air conditioner, contact Climatic at (941) 758-3080. We’ll help you keep everything in top shape.
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