During summer, you clean and replace your HVAC system’s filters often to keep its cooling function performing at an optimal level. Yet, from the season’s humidity to your pet’s hair, a range of factors can affect how well it cools or your home and your monthly costs. Consider the following.
Humidity
Once temperatures heat up, air conditioning helps to remove excess humidity from inside your home. In a perfect scenario, it eliminates the right amount of heat and humidity to create a comfortable environment.
However, when the humidity rises above average, your air conditioning ends up working much more. In certain instances, an older, dirty or incorrectly sized system cannot handle the action of cooling your home. In response, rooms feel warmer due to the moisture that remains in the air. Aside from this uncomfortable sensation, you may smell something damp or musty in your home, discover mildew or have foggy windows.
To counter these effects for the time being, consider having a professional install a dehumidifier into your HVAC system. This combination pulls excess moisture from the air before it gathers in the ducts.
Pets
If you own a cat or dog, one thing is certain: Your pet sheds a ton of hair and you have to clean it up before it accumulates. But, the vacuum doesn’t get everything. The remaining strands and dander are left in the air and can go through your HVAC system’s filter. Soon enough, the filter is clogged, your system becomes less effective and your heating or cooling bills go up significantly.
Beyond this issue, your HVAC system might have more than a clog – it could actually be circulating those fine hairs and dander. No one wants to be breathing in these particles, as it can turn into a major health concern – especially for those living with allergies or asthma.
Considering both of these factors, pet owners must change their HVAC filters more frequently to avoid these clogs and may want to supplement the filter with an air purifier.
Creating Poor Air Quality
Pet dander is not the only substance that can circulate through your HVAC system. Additionally, dust, pollen, toxic gas, secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide and mold have the same potential. In the process, their presence could trigger an allergic reaction or asthma attack. Day to day, those scents and substances permeate your home, exposing you to them regularly or creating the sensation of “stale air”. You know it’s turned into a problem if family members or guests complain of:
- Difficulty breathing
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Coughing
Missing Insulation
If you replace the filters and clean out your HVAC system regularly but still notice high heating and cooling bills, poor insulation could be responsible. Insulation works as a barrier to keep heat in during the colder months and block it out once warmer weather arrives. In the process, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to perform its basic cooling function. However, insulation is not only around the system or in the walls – even the attic can have an effect. As such, consider a professional survey of your house before making improvements.
Air Leaks
Along with insulation, air leaks have a similar effect. Particularly during the summer, these cracks cause warm air to enter your home, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. As a solution, check around the windows, doors, pipes and vents to reseal with caulk or replace worn-out components.
Peak performance that’s energy efficient is a key part of By Carrier’s central Connecticut properties. To learn more about our custom communities, contact us today.