Fall has arrived, and with it comes fluctuating temperatures ranging from a crisp 40 degrees at night to a toasty eighty degrees during the day. It’s the perfect time to show your HVAC system some extra love so it can keep up with the temperature changes.
By investing in fall HVAC upgrades, you can make a world of difference in keeping your home cozy and impressively efficient. Lower energy bills and peace of mind also come along with these upgrades.
So what are the best HVAC upgrades to consider this fall? Here are a few of our favorite ones.
Top Fall HVAC Upgrades
HVAC systems last for about fifteen to twenty-five years. If your system is older than this, investing in a new, energy-efficient unit can keep you cool during those warm Ohio afternoons. Consider options like geothermal systems, heat pumps, or energy-star-rated AC units.
If your system is only a few years old, it might benefit from the following upgrades before winter.
Repairing Ductwork
If you’ve been dealing with skyrocketing energy bills lately, there may be a gap in your ductwork.
Also, when your ducts aren’t running smoothly, it can lead to improper airflow throughout your home. As a result, your air can end up being warmer than it should be. This causes your HVAC system to work overtime to keep you comfortable.
Bad ductwork can also contribute to higher dust levels in your home. When air can’t flow through the ducts, dust tends to build up.
Reach out to your local HVAC contractor to assess the state of your ducts and recommend the best solutions for your home. Fixing your ducts can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by up to twenty percent.
Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature of your home based on occupancy, time of day, and weather. You can also control them remotely using an app, so it’s easy to make changes when you’re not at home.
For those who want to save money on their electric bill, energy-saving options are available too.
HEPA Filters
If you’re looking to improve air quality in your home, upgrading your HVAC system with HEPA filters is a great solution. These filters remove itty-bitty particles as tiny as three-tenths of a micron. So pesky dust, irritating pollen, clingy pet dander, and even some viruses will be removed from the air before they circulate through your home.
It can make a real difference for folks who suffer from allergies and asthma. Because the fine mesh in these filters traps all those yucky allergens, it helps to reduce those uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing and coughing.
HVAC Zoning
With HVAC zoning, different areas of the home can be set to specific temperature levels. This gives the occupants greater flexibility in managing the heat.
Since people are bound to have different temperature preferences, zoning can save energy by ensuring other rooms aren’t cooled more than necessary.
New Insulation
Insulation helps HVAC systems work more efficiently by reducing energy waste and heat transfer. By keeping your home better insulated, you can reduce the amount of power needed to cool your home, leading to lower energy bills.
Plus, insulation reduces noise transmission between rooms, giving you a more peaceful living environment.
Benefits of Upgrading Your HVAC System
Breathing in clean air is essential during those chillier months when you spend more time indoors. Upgrading your HVAC system helps filter out allergens, dust, and other airborne particles so you can breathe easy.
Moreover, neglecting upgrade options can lead to costly repairs down the road. By investing in furnace maintenance, you’re taking proactive steps to avoid breakdowns.
When to Seek an HVAC Company
Some upgrades are more urgent than others. For instance, if you notice your home feels muggy or damp, it could be a sign that your HVAC system isn’t properly controlling the humidity. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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A malfunctioning AC unit
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Improper ventilation
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Leaky ductwork
A qualified HVAC technician can assess the situation and provide recommendations to address the issue.
If you notice a drop in comfort or an increase in your energy bill, that’s also a sign that your HVAC system isn’t operating at top efficiency. Other problems that require immediate attention include:
Strange Noises
It’s not uncommon to hear a gentle hum coming from your HVAC system. That soft humming noise is a telltale sign that everything is running as it should be.
Similarly, hearing clicking sounds when your system starts up or shuts down is nothing to be alarmed about.
On the other hand, a screeching sound may indicate that a belt needs to be replaced; while a grinding sound suggests worn-down bearings. Rattling means loose parts are interfering with airflow.
In these cases, upgrading your HVAC system may be necessary to prevent further damage and guarantee proper functionality.
Inconsistent Temperatures
A possible culprit for those hot and cold spots could be an HVAC system that’s just not the right size. If your system is too small for your home, it may struggle to evenly distribute the air, resulting in unequal temperatures. A larger system may be necessary for air to be equally spread throughout your house.
Dirt is another factor that can contribute to hot and cold spots. An HVAC system that isn’t properly maintained will have dirt clogging the air ducts. This stops air from circulating evenly in your home.
To prevent this problem, schedule professional maintenance.
Odors
A musty smell could mean there is mold in your system, while a burning odor may indicate an electrical issue. Whatever the smell, it’s best to have it checked out as soon as you detect it.
The Next Step in Enhancing Your Home’s Comfort
Investing in fall HVAC upgrades is a smart move that brings you comfort, savings, and peace of mind. If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above, Cosby Heating & Cooling can help. Serving Mt. Vernon and the surrounding areas of Ohio, we can handle all your heating and air conditioning needs, from upgrades to repairs.
Contact us via email and we’ll respond within the next business day.
