During these sweltering months, homeowners in the Toronto area face a particular problem. Maybe it is due to their air conditioner working overtime or not having a strong enough one. Either way, they depend on their HVAC system to cool them during scorching summer days and nights at home. With each passing day, however, more stress is put onto that system due to its extra workload.
If you have ever experienced this issue for yourself or for someone you know in the past, you are not alone! It can be quite frustrating when an otherwise good system starts failing. Of course, most of us cannot just give up on our air conditioner in the middle of the summer. The good news is that there are some things we can do to prevent that stress from causing a potentially large problem.
Here are some useful tips for homeowners in Toronto to reduce stress on their HVAC system during hot days:
Examine The Filter
First, we should check out the filter. This small piece of material keeps the air conditioner from being clogged with dust and debris. If you go into your home and notice a layer of dust collecting, it is time to change that. It would be best if you did this often because it can start to malfunction when it is completely clogged.
It does not just help your air conditioner cool down better; the filter also keeps contaminants out of the air you breathe at home, which is especially important for asthmatics or those vulnerable to allergies. When these filters are changed regularly, your HVAC system will face less stress.
Clean Air Ducts
If your air ducts are dirty, your HVAC unit will work harder to clean the air inside them. Therefore, they will be a warmer and colder ambiance outside than they should. To prevent this, you should use a dehumidifier and regularly clean the dust out of the air.
Also, it is dirty if you see discoloration on the filter or if it is clogged with dust. Therefore, it needs to be cleaned and replaced too.
Reducing The Amount Of Heat In The House
We mentioned earlier that your air conditioner needs to work harder when it is hot outside. But that does not necessarily mean that you must remove the window units or leave them running the entire time. The best way to lower the amount of heat in your home is by limiting the time they are on.
There are many different ways to do this:
- Use a timer on a programmable thermostat.
- Turn off the heat at night, especially when no one is home.
- Run an electric fan overnight with a timer.
In most cases, you can reduce how long they run in general.
Smart Thermostat Adjustment/Installation
If you have an older home, you may not know how to install a new one. Most newer ones offer better, clearer interfaces and more features than the ones from the mid-20th century. Also, a newer model may have WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for better control of your HVAC system from your smartphone or other devices.
But it is not just about aesthetics; many smart thermostats also allow you to adjust when your air conditioning runs and how it runs. For example, if someone gets home before you do while it is still hot outside, they can adjust the temperature on their smartphone to cool down their room more quickly. This way, the air conditioner does not have to work so hard.
Improving Insulation
Often, homeowners have fiberglass or cellulose insulation in their attic that could be better. It is problematic to change out this type of insulation in your home. However, it can wear down over time, especially if the roof is not maintained properly.
Other areas of your home can have insufficient insulation too. Suppose you are unsure about the products used for siding or exterior walls; you may want to contact a Toronto professional for advice on how they can affect your HVAC system. In some cases, certain types of siding can reduce airflow throughout your home, requiring more energy from your air conditioner.
Even if your insulation is up to par for most of your home, there are still ways to improve it. Weatherstripping or plugging up the holes can assist in temporary solutions for drafty areas.
Maintenance Services
A good HVAC technician can build your HVAC system to last you a lifetime. For example, they can make sure that the filters are clean and working properly, diagnose your issue with the furnace or cooling unit and ensure that the ducts have enough insulation to keep the air inside cleaner.
If you take proper care of your HVAC system during hot summer days, it will be able to provide comfort without wearing itself out. In fact, you could save money on a service call by preventing a larger problem in the future.
Investing in Energy-Saving Windows
Replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones can save you a lot of money on heating and cooling costs. With the right windows, ideally those with triple-pane glass and good insulating sheeting, there will be far less heat escaping from your home.
This will not only be better for the environment but also lower the energy involved in cooling your home, making your air conditioner not work as hard. This can be especially helpful if you live in a place with harsh winters because you will need less heating from your furnace.
This means you will not have to work so hard to cool down the house to maintain a comfortable temperature. This allows for your air conditioner to do its job without needing to be overworked. It is especially helpful on hot days when it is impossible to keep the outside air out of your home!
Conclusion
Be smart about how you manage your HVAC system during these hot summer months and help curb stress on it for better performance in the future. If you follow these tips and still have problems with constant repairs, consider looking for an alternative solution for better cooling in Toronto homes like ductless AC installation.