Summer will be here before we know it. Here are five HVAC hacks you can do yourself to ensure your home is ready for the coming summer months.
Written by Ashleen Brydum
When it comes to fixing your home’s A/C or heating unit, there are some things that should always be left to a professional. However, there are some things you can do yourself. Read on for five DIY HVAC hacks to help you prepare for the heat and keep it cool all summer long:
HVAC Hack #1: Check for Leaks
This is a quick an easy way to ensure you’re making the most out of the air that you already have (and pay for). Temperature Pro suggests grabbing your favorite stick of incense and simply walking around your place. Anytime the smoke streams one way or another, you know you have a leak. Once you find them, you can run to your local hardware store and grab weather-stripping, caulk, or door sweepers to help keep the cool air in, and that hot air out.
HVAC Hack #2: No Central A/C? No Problem!
We’ve all been there, the stifling summer heat is coming, but you don’t have central A/C. What do you do?
Luckily, small window units were invented. Here’s a handy guide to pick out the best one for your situation. Mini window air conditioners can be great, efficient, and affordable cooling solutions for a variety of situations. They also have easy on/off switches, so you can be aware of when you’re spending money and when you are saving it.
HVAC Hack #3: Non-A/C Ways to Keep Your House Cool
Not all of our HVAC hacks are super technical; some are as simple and this is one of them. Close your doors, draw your blinds. We don’t always think about it, but little things like open doors, windows, or blinds can suck a lot of air out of the places you want to keep it. You can consider changing your blinds or installing blackout curtains. Even without any kind of major changes, you can save money.
If you set a reminder on your phone to close the curtains before you leave for the day you will come home to a cooler house. Even better, when you come home, you won’t have to blast the A/C to get your space to a comfortable level. Take a few minutes to walk around your place and see anywhere the light comes in then figure out a way to block it. Remember light=heat. Heat=more A/C needed to cool. More A/C = more money.
HVAC Hack #4: Become an Energy Star
We’ve all seen the logo, we’ve all heard our eco-conscious friends mention it, but what exactly is an “Energy Star?” Basically, if an appliance (or HVAC system) is branded with the Energy Star logo, they have met a bunch of government requirements to be deemed efficient. Additionally, the machine has reduced greenhouse gas emissions. An efficient system is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. You won’t be wasting as much electricity and you’ll still be keeping cool.
HVAC Hack #5: Change your Air Filter
As we said before, there are definitely some HVAC Hacks you should leave to the pros, but there are some things you can do to help become your HVAC Tech’s favorite customer.
One of the easiest things to do is to regularly change your air filter. You can check your owner’s manual to see the size of filter needed and how often to replace it. However, you can always pull your filter out to check which size/brand filter you have and most recommend switching it out every one-two months. Depending on where your vents are, you’re typically able to just open up the grille and exchange the filter with a new one. Doing this regularly will lead to better air quality and more efficient heating/cooling.
So there you have it, our five favorite hacks to make you an HVAC star. Share these HVAC hacks with all your friends and family to be the “cool” kid this summer.
If you enjoy these HVAC hacks, come check out HVAC training at Tidewater Tech and learn what it takes to be a pro!
About Tidewater Tech
Tidewater Tech is a career training school that specializes in trade vocations including Auto Technician, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Building Maintenance and Repair and Welding. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance, and is accredited by the Commission of the Council of Occupational Education (COE). Tidewater Tech is certified to Operate by SCHEV. Learn more at tidewatertechtrades.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TidewaterTech.edu/.
