Lots of excitement comes with moving into a new home. You may be looking forward to exploring the neighbourhood, purchasing new furniture, or arranging your home in a brand-new way. But before getting overwhelmed with such tasks, don't forget that you also need to pay attention to your HVAC system.
When it comes to the main pieces of equipment responsible for home heating and cooling, there are many different aspects to keep track of while you get settled in. Identifying potential issues early will enable you to seek timely maintenance or even negotiate repairs with your landlord (or seller of the home). Here's a checklist that will help you get started with inspecting your HVAC unit.
1. Is the air clean?
The COVID 19 pandemic has made people realise how important cleanliness and sanitation can be. This is especially true for the air inside your home. If you notice that the air conditioner is blowing stuffy or otherwise contaminated air, you may need to clean the ducts/vents or inspect the compressor.
Cool air being generated by the compressor may contain microbes that cause your air to become contaminated. Checking air quality is critical because clean air prevents allergies and breathing complications in the home.
2. Ask for previous utility bills
You can also get an idea of how efficient your HVAC system is by checking previous utility bills from home. Unusually high consumption may point to an issue with your unit, such as a faulty thermostat or a clogged air filter. Furthermore, these previous bills will make it easier for you to plan utility consumption and how you can further save on costs down the road.
3. Watch out for hot/cold spots
Another good idea is to check how efficient your new HVAC unit is at heating or cooling the home. Check if there are any hot or cold spots where air from the HVAC equipment doesn't get to. Such areas can be frustrating to deal with, as they may occur within specific rooms such as your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen. Cold/hot spots are often caused by clogged ducts, vents that are in poor condition or improper insulation in the affected areas.
4. Purchase a smart thermostat
Even if your current thermostat is in good condition, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat system. Smart/programmable thermostats make it easier for you to keep track of temperature settings, performance and even energy consumption. Being able to control the exact temperature throughout your home can make a significant difference when the utility bills come at the end of the month.
Hello! My name is Jake. I am the kind of guy who finds out about a subject and then who must learn everything he can about it. A subject I have focused on in recent times is HVAC. This might seem a little strange. However, my interest was sparked when an HVAC contractor visited my home to install a new air con system. He was really friendly and he took the time to answer my questions. Since then, I have been doing everything I can to learn about HVAC. I hope you enjoy reading what I have written on my blog.