Dallas is one of the ten cities with the highest utility bills in the nation. Fortunately, there are ways to lower energy costs without creating an uncomfortable home environment. As this infographic by The Refrigeration School shows, there are many simple things homeowners can do to ensure their heating system is as energy efficient as possible. For example, replacing filters on a monthly basis can lower energy consumption by up to 15%.
However, some maintenance should be left to professionals. Following are three ways HVAC technicians can help you save on keeping your home warm and safe this winter.
1. Check Ducts You can lose up to 30% of the home’s heat due to duct leaks, cracks or improper connections. If one or more rooms never seem to get warm or you have high energy bills, it may be wise to have a trained HVAC technician carefully examine and seal your ducts.
2. Heat Pump Maintenance and Repair One way Dallas homeowners can lower their electric bills is by installing a heat pump. Heat pumps are more energy efficient than furnaces and air conditioners. They pull warm air from outside and use it to heat the home. However, a poorly maintained heat pump can be up to 25% less efficient than one that is properly cared for, so it is a good idea to have an HVAC technician inspect the heat pump every year. A good technician will verify adequate airflow, check for refrigerant leaks, lubricate motors and inspect electric terminals, among other jobs.
3. Look for Fire Hazards Faulty home heating equipment is the second most common cause of residential fires. The average cost of damage caused by a fire ranges from $2,166 to $45,109, depending on whether or not the home in question has a sprinkler system.
Thankfully, a homeowner can reduce the odds of a house fire by arranging for an HVAC technician to inspect the heating unit before it is used. HVAC technicians examine and clean oil and gas connections to ensure that these are working properly and do not pose a fire hazard.
They also check gas pressure, burner combustion and the heat exchanger. Energy Savings in All Year-Round Winters may be brisk, but Texas summers can be outright scorching. Thankfully regular HVAC maintenance can save homeowners money all year-round. See the infographic below for more tips on taking care of your home heating and cooling equipment.
For more information on saving money and keeping your air conditioning and heating system running smoothly year round contact your Dallas HVAC specialist at Berkeys. Air Conditioning unit.