Nobody wants to pay high utility bills. Unfortunately, it is impossible to stop these from arriving. However, there are ways to make your utility bills lower, and one of them is keeping your heat pump or furnace clean. The following are a few steps to keep these units working at maximum efficiency.
Clean Your Heat Pump
If you put your hand over your mouth and nose and then try to breathe in and out, you will be able to do it. However, it will require more effort than if you were breathing normally.
The same idea is true for your heat pump. Your heat pump sucks air from outside and then blows it into your home. The coils and filter of your heat pump can get clogged with dust and dirt. This means your heat pump has to work harder to transfer air, which requires more energy. However, every time you do a quick cleaning of your heat pump, it can function easier, thereby reducing your energy bill.
Start by removing the cover of your heat pump. Remove the air filter by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly vacuum both sides of the air filter. Most vacuums have a unique tool for cleaning fabric. This tool can be used on your air filter.
Next, take your vacuum and lightly clean the coil inside the heat pump. This will get rid of any dust that is stuck inside. Again, use the attachment on your vacuum for fabric. Move it up and down the coil. You need to do this gently because you do not want to damage the coil.
After opening the cover of the pump and removing the filter, you may want to use a damp cloth to wipe off the fins of the heat pump and any other surfaces. Finally, replace the filter and close the cover of the heat pump.
If you regularly clean the interior unit of your heat pump whenever you vacuum your home, you will keep it running efficiently and save money in the long run. In addition, a professional cleaning by the HVAC technicians from Totally Cool Heating & Air can go a long way toward extending the life of your heat pump and boost its efficiency by up to 40%.
Clean Your Furnace
You don’t need to wait until your furnace breaks before you do preventative maintenance. Cleaning your furnace will save you money in the long run and help prolong the equipment’s life.
You should have your furnace cleaned at least once a year. Some people opt to clean it during the spring before using it and in the fall after using it. There are basic furnace cleaning steps you can take yourself. However, the HVAC technicians at Totally Cool Heating & Air can do an annual professional cleaning in your Austin home. During this cleaning, your furnace will be inspected for wear and tear, ensuring that it will work as it should in the future.
Before cleaning your furnace, you need to ensure that the electrical power and the fuel supply have been disconnected. Next, clean the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is where air and fuel mix and are ignited. There will be a lot of carbon soot and water vapor in this area. A small wire brush can help loosen up some of the caked-on material. An industrial shop vacuum can be used to remove the debris.
Next, look at the exhaust flute for leaks. Foil tape can be used to cover small holes. However, if the flute is corroded, it may need to be replaced. During a professional cleaning, an HVAC technician may decide to adjust the flute’s barometric damper to improve the furnace’s efficiency.
If you have an oil-fueled system, the oil filter will need to be replaced. If the oil burner nozzle becomes clogged, there could be a misfire that will impact your system’s function.
Changing the filter in your furnace is another vital part of cleaning it. Changing the filter is easy and is something that homeowners can often do independently. The HVAC technician may also look at your blower belt for wear and tear during a professional inspection and recommend some adjustments.
Work With Energy Conservation Experts
At Totally Cool Heating & Air, we want to help you ensure your furnace is ready to warm your home. Our certified technicians are focused on service and craftsmanship. Satisfaction is guaranteed every time. Whether you need AC or heating installation, repair or maintenance, we are the name you should call. Contact Totally Cool Heating & Air in Austin, TX, today to learn more about our services and specials.
