Keeping your home’s humidity levels consistent can significantly improve the health and comfort of your home. In general, when it comes to feeling comfortable in your home nothing affects a body’s perception of comfort more than the humidity level.
Industry experts report that keeping your home’s humidity between 30-60% can reduce the effects of many unwanted conditions. Too much humidity or too little humidity can not only lead to an unhealthy home, but also cause permanent damage to your home and belongings.
When your central heating and cooling system is in its best condition, it provides a great mix of efficiency and comfort. On the other hand, if it is left without proper maintenance, that efficiency crashes and so does your wallet.
Most maintenance for central heating and cooling systems should be left to the professionals, but some general upkeep can be performed by homeowners of any skill level. Here’s a list of suggested maintenance for central heating and cooling systems to ensure you keep the cost of comfort at its lowest.
Air filters on central heating and cooling systems block dust, pollen, and other small particles from entering your home. Eventually, these air filters become clogged by these particles, causing a reduction in energy efficiency from 5 to 15 percent. Ignoring air filter maintenance is like throwing away the money you spent on a better unit. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that filters be replaced every one to two months during the season. Some central air conditioner filters are reusable while others are disposable. Before you replace your air filter, check to see which kind you have.
Central air conditioners feature drains used to remove condensation and humidity. These can become clogged over time. Unclogging the drains is simple. Just push a wire through the drain channels to knock out the gunk.
Other maintenance should only be done by professionals or homeowners with advanced knowledge. These include:
The evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt overtime, limiting air flow and the amount of heat removed by the air conditioner. These should be cleaned, at most, every year.
Fins on the evaporator and condenser bend over time, which blocks air flow. When this occurs, the fins should be straightened.
The blower may wear down over time and need an adjustment to boost air flow.
If your air conditioner has too much or too little refrigerant, an essential chemical component that creates cool air, your system will operate inefficiently.
A furnace relies on a filter to block out dust, mold, and other particles, which collects dirt over time, leading to falling energy efficiency. Your filter should be changed regularly, as much as once a month during seasons when it’s in constant use. A filter change takes just a few minutes.
If you have natural gas, check whether the pilot light is on and that it’s blue. If you’re trying to heat your home but getting nothing except cold air blowing in, a pilot light that’s gone out is the likely problem. If the pilot light is yellow or orange, there may be a mechanical issue with the system.
Other maintenance should only be done by professionals or homeowners with advanced knowledge. These include:
Belts inside your central heating dry out and become worn over time, this reduces efficiency. These should be adjusted and lubricated, at the most, annually.
Dirt will inevitably end up in your central heating, requiring a professional cleaning. Nearly all elements of the furnace must be wiped down and cleaned out. A dirty furnace can significantly reduce efficiency. Get a contractor to clean your furnace every few years.
Indoor air quality is becoming an increasing health concern, which is why quality air purifiers have never been more important for good health. Those tight seals that allow your home to feel comfortable and energy-efficient also make the indoor air in your home polluted. Pollutant levels of airborne particles, gases, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds are higher in the home than they are outside. Did you know that the air inside your home is five to ten times dirtier than the air outside, given that Americans spend about ninety percent of the time indoors?
The most common indoor air pollutant is air mold. It exists wherever moisture and oxygen are present. Inside your home, molds can likely be found in damp basements, closets, bathrooms, air conditioning systems, humidifiers, or any humid place. Poor indoor air quality affects people in different degrees. It all depends on an individual’s age and relative health, but there are different ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones against indoor air pollutants. Some ways to improve indoor air quality include:
Air purifiers are designed to clean and purify the air people breathe, by reducing odors and airborne pollutants that contribute to poor air quality, and filter common allergens such as pollen, mold and dust. Tips on choosing an air purifier include: