Regardless of the temperature outside, your heating and cooling equipment should keep you comfortable inside throughout the year. However, if you home never seems to reach that “magic” temperature, there may be a number of issues contributing to the problem. In many cases, it could be your HVAC system – but, be sure to try the tips here before calling for help.
Close Your Curtains and Blinds
If you have rooms that have windows that face south, then they likely feel a bit warmer than the rooms that don’t have these south-facing windows. The fact is, the sun can really warm things up! The best way to counter the effects of the sun is by closing your blinds and windows.
Closing Vents
There is an all-too-common misunderstanding that if you close the registers and vents in parts of the house you don’t use, you can save energy and money. Unfortunately, this isn’t true.
Your heating and cooling unit is designed to heat or cool a specific amount of space. If you begin to close the registers and vents, you may cause damage to the unit. Also, if you don’t open them again, it could affect how comfortable that room is. Be sure your vents remain open.
Improperly Placed Furniture
Rearranging a room can help to spice things up – especially during the winter when getting outside isn’t always an option. However, the last time you did this, did you consider where your registers and vents were? If you have noticed that a certain area of the home isn’t as comfortable as it once was, check the vents and make sure you did not block any.
Improperly Sized HVAC System
Did you have a contractor come out to determine the size heating and cooling system you needed? If not, then the issue that is causing your discomfort may be a unit that isn’t the right size for your home. If you have an undersized unit, chances are it is going to run much more often than it should, just trying to keep up with comfort demands.
However, systems that are too big for your home aren’t any better. They tend to cycle on and off regularly, which results in serious wear and tear and expensive energy costs. Be sure to speak with the professionals to see if you have a HVAC system that’s too big or too small for your home – if so, it may be time to think about replacing it.
When it comes to the heating and cooling system in your home, there are several things to keep in mind. The good news is, if things aren’t exactly comfortable, there are some tips you can use before reaching out to a contractor. The tips found here may help you save a few hundred dollars for a service call that wasn’t even necessary, so be sure to keep this in mind. You will be much happier when you do.