Jefferson / Morgantown & Vicinity, North Carolina Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Jefferson / Morgantown & Vicinity Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems should be inspected regularly, not just when the house is being sold. Whether central air conditioning or window room air conditioners are used, these systems can use a lot of electrical power. These tips will help prolong the life of your HVAC systems and save money on energy bills.

During the summer, shut off humidifiers

Many people with central humidifiers go into the cooling season forgetting to shut down the humidifier for the summer. A central air conditioner will not cool or dehumidify accurately if the humidifier is running.

Examine your air filters

It is the one important thing you can do for your central heating/air conditioning system.

We suggest checking filters monthly. If you've a disposable type filter, (these generally have a cardboard edge), and it is dirty, simply replace it. If you have a permanent type filter, it's very easy to clean. Check to guarantee that your vents are blowing air out at normal rate.

Ensure that the outdoor unit is free of shrubs

A lot of people, builders, and landscapers in Jefferson / Morgantown & Vicinity are fond of hiding the outdoor unit behind shrubs or fences. There are some benefits to this, which we will describe below. It can however, become a negative if not maintained or finished properly. The outdoor unit is a heat transfer device - a fan pulls the outside air through the refrigerant coils and discharges it up through the top (on most units). If the outdoor unit is congested by a fence or shrubs, restricting the air-flow, it will not work properly. Thereby decreasing efficiency, reducing the life span, and possibly causing damage. Keep an 18" to 36" air space on all sides of unit. Prune back shrubs as needed. When planting, allow room for long-term growth, five and ten years. Keep a 3 to 4 foot air space over the unit. Prune back tree branches. If building a fence, make sure it can be removed with ease. The unit needs to be serviced regularly. If any large repairs need to be made, the service man may need access to all sides on the unit.

Landscaping in the vicinity of the outdoor unit

Ideal shrubs for planting around the outdoor unit are: yews, upright junipers, arborvitaes.

Use landscape rocks one foot around unit and use weed killer on rocks to kill off weeds. Do Not Use weed whacker near unit.

During the Fall and Winter, cover air conditioners

Covering the unit during these months in Jefferson / Morgantown & Vicinity will help protect the coil and fan blades. Just remember to take it off prior to turning it back on.

Install an attic fan

Set the attic fan at 90 to100 degrees to keep attic cool and help remove heat before it transfers into dwelling.

Tips to conserve energy

Use caulking and weather-stripping to prevent much of the heated air from escaping.

Switch single-thickness windows with thermal-type double thickness windows.

Put in storm windows and doors to provide additional insurance against heat loss.

Add window insulation kits that use double-sided tape, clear plastic and a hair dryer.

Upgrade older equipment with higher efficiency furnaces, central air conditioners and heat pumps.

Be sure that your heating and/or cooling equipment is accurately sized for your home. Operating a unit that is too small or too large is very inefficient. Your heating and air conditioning professional can establish the best size unit for your home.

Test your heating system ensure that it is running efficiently. Have your dealer inspect the system before the winter months.

If you replace your central air conditioner, make sure that the contractor replaces the indoor coil in addition to the outside condensing unit. Otherwise, your system won't perform at its promised efficiency.

Install electric ceiling fans increase the effectiveness of room air conditioners in the summer and to circulate warm air away from the ceiling in the winter.

Help lower your energy requirements by wearing appropriate clothing in your residence; lightweight clothing in the summer and warmer clothing in the winter.

Study the efficiency ratings mandated by the Dept. of Energy when you search for new equipment so you can ensure you're getting high-efficiency equipment. Ratings will be prominently displayed on the yellow tag and are required by law to be on each new unit sold.

Upgrade your systems

If your heating and air conditioning system is over ten to twelve years old, consider replacement. Newer units are much more economical. They also come with better warranties so there are no expensive repair bills to worry about.