If you have an HVAC system in your Toronto home or business, you may be experiencing higher than normal electric bills. First, it is important for you to understand what HVAC means.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. If you have central air-conditioning in your home, then you have an HVAC system. If you have radiant heating and only rely on window air conditioning units, then you don’t have what is technically considered an HVAC system.
Because an HVAC system has several components to it, including a furnace, air-conditioning compressor, and duct work, there are more components that can end up having problems that could cost you money in the long run.
Dirty filters.
One of the most common problems for homeowners throughout the region with their HVAC systems happens to be clogged or dirty air filters. If you haven’t changed the air filter in your HVAC system in several years, it could be putting a greater strain on the system, which can cost you more money on your electric bills.
It is best to change the filter every month during peak usage seasons. This would be during the heart of winter as well as summer when you’re running your furnace or air conditioning systems on a regular basis.
If you don’t know where the filters are, contact your local HVAC repair technician and he or she will come to your home to replace the filter and show you how to do it.
Leaks in the ductwork.
You could also have some leaks in the ductwork throughout your home. If there is a leak in the basement, for example, then hot air during the winter would be escaping from the heating system before it reaches the upstairs rooms. The same holds true during the summer when you are trying to cool your house.
Most leaks are caused when special duct tape (not the kind you buy at your local hardware store) loses adhesion to the ducts. This is a relatively simple repair, but you need to make sure to use the proper tape. If you want to reduce heat loss during the winter, call an HVAC company to have one of their technicians come to your home and check the entire system and seal any potential leaks they find.