Ensuring your home stays comfortable through the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter requires the HVAC equipment to be up for the job, especially in Montreal. But how do you know your system is running optimally, or when something might be wrong with your unit? Here’s what to look for and action to keep your home comfortable all year.
Signs that there might be something wrong with your HVAC
Obviously, if your HVAC system stops working completely, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
But most of the warning signs that your system is malfunctioning are a little more subtle. Here’s what to look out for:
- Rust: If you can see rust or other signs of deterioration on your system, it could mean it’s time for a replacement.
- Strange noises: While even the most top-of-the-line systems make some amount of noise, if your system is suddenly noticeably noisier or making different sounds than usual, there might be something wrong.
- Low refrigerant fluid or leaks: HVAC systems are closed systems, meaning if your refrigerant needs a top-up or there’s a slow leak, it’s time to call the pros.
- Inconsistent temperatures: If the occupants of your home or building are complaining that it’s often too cold or too warm, there could be a problem with the HVAC.
- Increased energy consumption: A sudden increase in your energy bill could mean your system isn’t running like it used to, meaning you could need a maintenance visit.
10 all-season tips for maximizing your HVAC system’s efficiency
1. Increase your insulation
To keep your heat inside your home where it belongs, your home needs adequate insulation. Insulating your home and your HVAC unit ducting will stop warm air from escaping. This means your unit won’t have to work so hard to heat and cool your space.
2. Use programmable controls and smart thermostats
Smart thermostats and other automated devices help make your HVAC system much more energy-efficient. By only heating or cooling when occupants are present, or during certain times of day, means less workload on your unit, and home comfort when you need it.
Only heating and cooling during appropriate times lessens your energy consumption, saves you money, and increases your unit’s longevity.
3. Have an appropriate HVAC size for your home
If your HVAC unit is too small for your space, it will have to work harder than necessary to heat and cool your home. On the other end of the spectrum, a system that’s much too large might be putting out too much energy.
If you’re not sure which size of unit is best for your home, contact a professional team.
4. Maintain system airflow
Keeping the airflow up with your HVAC system means cleaning off the dust and debris from your equipment. Dirt, dust, and debris can clog your system, making it difficult for the unit to push out cold or warm air.
You also want to make sure there is no furniture, curtains, or accessories blocking the air vents in your home.
5. Clean your gutters when appropriate
Debris and plant matter in your gutters can impact your HVAC system more than you think. By cleaning your gutters and trimming your outdoor plants, you’re preventing a moisture overload from impacting your HVAC unit. Having moisture seep into your unit will reduce its functionality and negatively impact home comfort.
6. Change your air filters
As your system continues to operate, the air filter gets slowly clogged with dust and dirt. Much like you keep other parts of your system cleaned, the air filters need to be cleaned or swapped out as well.
By changing your filter regularly, you’re giving your HVAC system the best chance at working as it should.
7. Schedule regular maintenance
Yes, there are things you can do to maintain your HVAC system, but unless you’re a professional, you may be overlooking certain steps. By calling a professional team for a maintenance check, unexpected malfunctions, deteriorating parts, and underperforming units are identified and swiftly addressed.
8. Think about your duct design
Smart ductwork design is important if you want your HVAC to be able to heat and cool all parts of your home. With unnecessary routing and more bends your system needs to take, the harder the unit will have to work. And that means you can kiss efficiency goodbye.
Have a professional team assess your ductwork to identify opportunities for improvement and better routing. Allowing airflow to flow where it needs to in the most efficient way will make a huge difference in the lifespan of your HVAC.
9. Unblock and clean your drain line
Last for cleaning on our list is the drain line. A clean drain line also clears the way for your HVAC system to function properly. To clean it out, flush a cup of chlorine bleach, and quickly follow that up with a gallon of water.
This is especially important in the summer, and it could prevent a flood in your basement from a blocked drain.
10. Call a professional team for a new installation
Last but not least, call a local professional team for a new installation.
Going with an HVAC upgrade means high efficiency, the latest in tech, and proper sizing and ductwork from the get-go. The right team will tell you how exactly to maintain your unit, and will stay connected with regular maintenance visits. Then, you can do less worrying as the seasons change, and instead focus on what matters.
Reach out to the team at Allard & Émond today for a quote.