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It may not surprise you to learn that heating and cooling accounts for about half of your annual energy bill. What may surprise you, however, is just how inefficient these home comfort systems can be. Even when properly installed, a furnace or central air conditioning system can waste energy at an alarming rate. Although extensive ac and heater repair jobs should be left to the professionals, there are a handful of maintenance tasks that you can perform on your own. Here are four of them. 1. Look For Leaks Both air conditioners and heat pumps can develop leaks that rob home comfort systems of power and efficiency. The problem is more common in central air units, which cool areas by removing moisture. This moisture runs out of the unit, in the form of water, through a drain line that empties into a drain pan. In time, however, the lines and the pan may become clogged with dirt and crud, causing water overflows and leaks. The good news is that there are two simple, one-step solutions to this problem. You can either use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to drain the water on your own, or you can call an HVAC professional to do it for you. 2. Inspect The Ducts One of the leading energy wasters, leaky ducts are a big problem in American homes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) about 30 to 40 percent of the conditioned air (hot or cold) that travels through them escapes before it reaches its destination. If it is not the result of improper installation, that is when holes, cracks, and joint gaps can develop due to the increase in pressure that comes from running home comfort systems for protracted periods of time, i.e., all winter or all summer long. Although this is not an ac and heater repair job you could handle on your own, you can inspect the ductwork and call an HVAC professional if something looks odd. 3. Check For Cracks When there are problems with joints and sealants in furnaces and a/c units, both will experience air leaks that make them less efficient. If you notice a sharp increase in your monthly heating or cooling bill, it is probably a good idea to inspect either unit for broken sealants around the joints, hoses, and other points of connection. If you discover a leak, contact your local HVAC professional ASAP. 4. Clean And/Or Replace Filters To help them operate as efficiently as possible, both furnaces and a/c units have filters that remove dirt and debris. In time, this waste will accumulate and cause airflow issues that reduce performance and efficiency. The inevitable result is a big energy bill at the end of the month. Fortunately, this problem can be solved by simply cleaning and/or replacing disposable air filters at least once a month during periods of heavy usage. These simple ac and heater repair tips can help you save money on your home comfort systems. To learn more about their options for ac and heater repair, visit http://www.mayeuxac.com/.
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