557. Keep Your Home Comfortable During Cooler Nights with Your HVAC Unit

Home and Life Comfort with Derek Cole

As the weather starts to cool down, homeowners will have to rely more and more on their heating and air units to keep their homes comfortable. However, before you turn that thermostat up, you want to make sure that your HVAC system is in good working condition.

Get Your HVAC Unit Checked Before the Cooler Months Arrive

One of the most important factors in ensuring that your HVAC unit is working properly during the cooler months is to get it checked by a qualified technician before the weather starts to cool down. This way, you can identify any issues that need to be addressed before they turn into more significant problems later. A technician can check your system for refrigerant leaks, signs of wear and tear, and temperatures of your system, among other things. By doing so, you can have the peace of mind that your heating unit is in top shape and will keep your home comfortable during the cooler months.

Invest in a Programmable WiFi Thermostat

Another way to make sure that your heating system is efficient, especially during the cooler months, is to invest in a programmable WiFi thermostat. These thermostats can be scheduled to automatically turn on and off your HVAC system at specific times or even days. You can also use your smartphone or tablet app to control the temperature at home while you are away! This means that you will have more control over your system, and you will be able to save energy and money. For example, you can program your thermostat to turn on your heating or air system just before you arrive home, turn it off when you leave, or lower the temperature when you are sleeping.

Change Your Filters Regularly

Your heating and air system filters trap pollutants, dust, and other particles that are in the air. Over time, these filters can become clogged, which can decrease the efficiency of your system and cause breakdowns. To avoid this situation, it is essential to change your filters regularly. Depending on the type of HVAC system that you have and the type of filter, you may need to change them once a month or every three months.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

Another way to help your unit during the cooler months is to use your ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can help your system circulate the air more efficiently in your home. For example, as warmth is produced in the room, ceiling fans help move that hot air upwards and circulate it around the room's edges, this circulation ensures that you use the heating or air system less.

Keep Your Vents Unobstructed

Lastly, homeowners should ensure that their vents are unobstructed. Vents blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains restrict the flow of air from your system, which causes your system to work harder, and use more energy. Moving any obstructions can help you save money and energy and ensure that your HVAC system is operating correctly.

In conclusion, keeping your HVAC unit in top shape during the cooler months doesn't have to be complicated. As a homeowner, you can get your unit checked by a qualified technician, invest in a programmable WiFi thermostat, change your filters regularly, use your ceiling fans, and keep your vents unobstructed. By doing so, you could save money, use less energy, and ensure that your unit lasts longer. So, whether you're in the midst of doing your routine HVAC maintenance, or you need expert HVAC services, these tips should help you out significantly to keep your home cozy during the colder months. -- Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.