5 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC for Pearland Homes

Knowing a bit more about HVAC in Pearland homes ensures you’re keeping your AC and furnace in tiptop shape while avoiding unnecessary repair and replacement costs. Understanding some basics about a furnace and air conditioner can also alert you to needed repairs, so you can schedule timely fixes.

To keep your HVAC system functioning effectively and when it’s needed, check out 5 of the most frequently asked questions about Pearland HVAC systems. You can then discuss any other questions you have with a furnace and AC contractors at Pearland AC Repair. To find out more, visit their website.

1. How Can I Increase the Efficiency of a Pearland HVAC System?

Increasing HVAC efficiency can mean lower utility costs, a more comfortable interior environment, and an HVAC system that lasts as long as possible. One vital step for increasing the efficiency of your HVAC system is to ensure your home is properly insulated. Check the condition of your home’s insulation and replace it as needed; upgrading to blown foam or thicker fiberglass can mean added comfort and greater HVAC efficiency.

Blocking outside heat and cold can also mean less use of your HVAC appliance and more efficient operation. For example, you might upgrade to double-glazed or triple-glazed windows, or apply window film that blocks hot sunlight and adds insulation. During wintertime, switch to heavier drapes, as these are especially useful for blocking outside cold and unpleasant drafts coming through old windows.

Regular HVAC maintenance and ductwork cleaning also ensure your system is functioning optimally. Maintenance or furnace and AC “tune-ups” reduce friction on moving parts and other wear and tear, while clean ducts mean less energy needed to push heated and cooled air through the home. Since air conditioners remove humidity, as well as heat, investing in a dehumidifier, can mean a more comfortable environment without having to run the AC as often.

2. How Often Should You Schedule Pearland HVAC Maintenance?

Most homeowners should consider annual HVAC maintenance, or at least an AC service call. The state’s long, hot summers usually mean added use of the air conditioner and extra wear and tear; a yearly inspection and cleaning can mean more efficient cooling and fewer repair bills. It’s especially vital to schedule annual maintenance for older units, so you know when it’s time to replace that HVAC system and won’t suffer an unexpected shutdown!

3. Does Adjusting the Thermostat Really Save Money and Repair Costs?

The less you use your home’s HVAC system, the less wear and tear it suffers; in turn, you might see fewer repairs costs and be able to extend the life of your HVAC system by adjusting the thermostat. Keeping your home just one or two degrees warmer or cooler can mean lower energy costs and better HVAC efficiency. Homeowners might even invest in programmable thermostats, so they can adjust themselves throughout the day and night, reducing HVAC usage automatically.

4. How Often Should I Clean or Replace HVAC Filters?

Your home’s HVAC filters should be cleaned or replaced as soon as they start to look dirty. For some homeowners, this might be every month! If you run your AC or furnace often throughout the month, it’s good to replace that filter regularly, to reduce wear and tear on the HVAC unit and ensure clean air quality.

On the other hand, if you’re rarely home during the day or just don’t use the HVAC system that often, you might be able to go two or three months between filter replacement. Note the manufacturer’s recommendation on the filter for how many hours it’s effective and then replace yours accordingly.

5. Does Running the Furnace or Air Conditioner Make Indoor Air Worse?

Your home’s furnace and air conditioner both pull air through the HVAC filter before pushing it through the home’s ductwork and circulating back into interior rooms. As long as that filter is clean and in good condition, you can actually improve indoor air quality by using your HVAC system.

However, a homeowner should also remember that air from the HVAC system is pushed through the home’s ductwork, where dirt, dust, pet hair and dander, and other irritants often settle. If the home’s ducts are dirty, the air circulating through your house will be just as unpleasant!

If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, be sure you change that HVAC filter regularly and schedule annual ductwork cleaning. Vacuum, sweep, dust mop, and damp mop often, even every day, using fresh mop heads and clean vacuum filters, bags, and cartridges.

A whole-house air filtration system can also mean improved indoor air quality. HEPA filters, UV lights, and other specialty features can reduce germs, bacteria, allergens, viruses, and other airborne irritants, while also reducing dust, dirt, and other debris. Using your Pearland HVAC system and keeping your air filters running will then mean a cleaner home and easier breathing for everyone!

Bonus Question: Should I Repair or Replace HVAC Appliances?

When your home’s air conditioner or furnace starts acting up, you might wonder if you should invest in repairs or if it’s time to replace the system. Note that a contractor recommending you replace the AC or furnace is not necessarily trying to “upsell” you an item you don’t need, as sometimes purchasing a new appliance is cheaper in the long run than repairing the current one.

To help you decide between repairs or replacement, note the age of the AC or furnace. If it’s nearing the end of its expected lifespan, it will probably need replacing soon enough; consider investing in a new appliance now versus paying for repairs and then a new appliance in the next year or so!

Note, too, if a new furnace or AC will mean more energy efficiency and lower utility costs. Older appliances might leak cooled or heated air, or draw more power just to force worn-out parts to operate as they should. Today’s appliances might use less energy to operate, allow for zone heating and cooling, or otherwise mean less energy usage overall.

Your contractor can also tell you how long your HVAC in a Pearland home should last, depending on its overall condition. If there is still plenty of “life” left to the appliance, investing in quality repairs now can mean enjoying its use for several years to come.