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How to Maximize Your Home Heating (for Less)

Dec 16, 2021

As fall slowly creeps into winter, homeowners on the East Coast are starting to turn on their heating systems. Most people agree that spending as little as possible on home heating while remaining warm and cozy is the ideal objective. Though each family may have a different heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, some universal home heating tips can help lower your heating bills and make sure your family is only using what you need this winter.


1. Change Your HVAC Unit’s Filter


One of the best things you can do for your home heating bills is replace your system’s filter regularly. As air circulates through your home, dust and other particles get caught in the filter. Changing it allows air to flow more freely through the system and keeps your home free of allergens.


2. Consider a Smart Thermostat


Thermostats have come a long way over the last decade. A lot of HVAC systems have digital thermostats, which can be helpful when setting a heating schedule. However, “smart” technology takes this process a step further. Smart thermostats are programmable, but they also adapt to your schedule and optimize your heat use based on when you are home most frequently.


You can even adjust your home’s temperature from your phone or create a geofence that alerts your system when you leave your property and prompts it to turn down the heat. Small tweaks like these can add up to major savings over time.


3. Invest in Regular HVAC Services


When clients ask us how to lower heating bills, we always recommend scheduling regular HVAC service. This is extremely effective for your home, as it can help you identify problems contributing to higher fuel usage. Likewise, regular HVAC maintenance from experienced HVAC technicians ensures your system is operating at peak efficiency.


4. Check Your Insulation


Your home’s roof and walls are responsible for a large amount of the heat and energy you lose. While this is somewhat normal, it’s important to do everything you can to insulate these spaces properly. If you haven’t had an expert look at your insulation in the last 10 years, it might be time to schedule an inspection. Making sure your heat stays inside will keep your family warmer and keep your system from working overtime.


5. Cut Down on Drafts


In areas that can’t be insulated – such as your windows and doors – you might feel cold, drafty air flowing inside. It’s relatively easy to identify these spots, and when you do, it’s crucial to fix them if you don’t want to waste fuel and energy. Draft protectors and window film are inexpensive ways to keep warm air inside without being too invasive or permanent. If you need a quick and easy fix, draft-sealing products are the way to go.


BONUS: Reach Out to Smith & Company HVAC


Of course, the best thing you can do to ensure your home’s heating equipment is working efficiently is work with a trusted HVAC company. At Smith & Company HVAC, we never cut corners. We know just how big a difference a healthy system can make in your home, so we do everything we can to offer effective, reliable service.


Before winter rolls in, trust our team to make sure your HVAC system is ready for colder weather. When you contact us today, your wallet and home will thank you.


10 Oct, 2023
Air conditioning systems are intricate machines that require routine maintenance to keep them running smoothly. A common issue homeowners face is a leaky air conditioner, which occurs for a variety of reasons. Some are easily fixable, but others require an AC repair company. Regardless of the reason for the leakage, it is important to address the issue sooner rather than later to avoid more irreparable damage. The first thing to look out for is frozen evaporator coils. The evaporator coil is a long-finned coil that links the unit to the output point. If the coil is frozen, turn off the unit immediately to avoid system failure. The ice covering the coil will cause the system to work overtime and possibly bottom out. The water leaking is caused by the ice melting after freezing on the coil. The next step will be to call an air conditioning repair company and contract an HVAC professional who can diagnose the cause of the frozen coil and replace it if needed. A clogged air filter likely caused the coil to freeze over. If the coil is not frozen, it is still good practice to turn off the unit to prevent any further water damage caused by the leak. Other reasons for a leaking AC system include: Dirty Coils The coils inside of the air conditioner unit can become dirty without proper cleaning. This layer of grime and dust can cause the normally occurring condensation on the evaporator coil to not flow down the coils and into the drip pan. Since that dirt is impeding the flow of moisture, it is forced to drip on the floor. This is an easy fix and does not require air conditioning services from an HVAC professional. Simply clean the coils on the inside of the unit. Damaged Insulation The insulation around the coils in the interior of the unit might be damaged, resulting in a leak. If the insulation is damaged, the condensation will drip from the coil instead of flowing down the coil as it should. If this is the case, you will need HVAC repair services to fix the damaged insulation or install new insulation. Clogged Trap or Drain Line A clogged drain line or trap is caused by dirt build-up and the lack of routine maintenance of your air conditioning unit. The condensation carried down the coils can bring dirt and debris that then clog the drain line or trap. When the drain line clogs, it doesn't allow for normal draining and creates a drip. This requires a thorough cleaning of the drain line or trap and shouldn’t require an HVAC professional. Detached Drain Line  This issue usually occurs from poor AC unit installation practices. If the drain line that drains the condensation created is not properly connected, it will leak. Although the mess may be big, the fix is easy. You’ll need to call an air conditioning service company to reinstall the drain line. Searching for the “Best HVAC Company Near Me?” Smith & Co Is Here to Answer the Call! Routine maintenance of your air conditioner system is vital to keeping the system running smoothly without leaks. Failure to keep the unit clean will cause dirt build-up, requiring the system to work overtime to keep the air cool. This creates wear and tear on the unit, and you might have to repair the system more often or even replace the system altogether. At Smith & Company HVAC, we understand that AC unit leaks can be frustrating. Don’t hesitate to reach out and have an experienced HVAC professional fix any leak issues.
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