It’s finally the time of year in Florida when our air conditioners aren’t working quite as hard as they do in the summer (and even autumn!) months. I just wish my power bill would start taking the hint…
These cooler temps provide the perfect opportunity to make sure our home’s cooling systems are working as efficiently as possible. Thanks to the expertise of my partners at Trane Residential, a leading home comfort and HVAC brand, we wanted to share 5 seasonal maintenance tips for an easy HVAC tune up checklist to ensure your family is comfy going into the New Year…
HVAC Tune Up Tip #1: Change Your Air Filters Frequently
Dirty filters restrict air flow, making your HVAC system work harder and reducing its efficiency. Replace disposable or clean reusable filters in all units, which may include furnaces, air conditioners, air handlers, humidifiers, or air cleaners.
A good rule of thumb is to change your filter every season. You should always double-check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. With your HVAC tune-up, it is best to clean or change your filters once every 30-90 days. Regular cleaning/changing of your filter will ensure the best filtration, increase the life of your machine, and give you peace of mind that you are caring for your system and air quality.
Fighting Allergies, Asthma and the Flu
If your household is asthma or allergy-prone, it might be worth investing in a more premium air filter, like Trane’s CleanEffects® Whole Home Air Cleaner, as it effectively reduces the presence of dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, lint, and more. Trane’s CleanEffects is certified asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which is a major plus for parents looking for added peace of mind when it comes to their home’s indoor air quality. The certification is awarded only to those products that are scientifically proven to reduce exposure to asthma and allergy triggers.
If parents are worried about members of their household getting COVID and/or the flu this winter season, it’s worth noting that Trane’s CleanEffect is 100x more effective than a standard 1” filter. CleanEffects can remove up to 99.98% of airborne particles that pass through the re-usable filter, including 99.9% of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus and more than 99% of the virus particles for a surrogate of the virus that causes COVID-19.
To offer homeowners a more convenient and stress-free way to change their air filters, Trane Residential recently teamed up with FilterTime to launch Trane Filters powered by FilterTime. With the new service, customers can make a one-time purchase or sign up for an ongoing subscription by using the Trane Home app or visiting TraneFilters.com. You also have the option to set up filter reminders. Trane Home will send a simple notification when it is time to change your filter and allow you to place your Trane Filters order right from your mobile device!
HVAC Tune Up Tip #2: Set Up a Service Check
Like a car, your HVAC system should warm up before shifting it into full gear. How do you like that analogy? 😉 To ensure your system performs properly during a critical time, you want to give it a head start so you can determine if there are any maintenance or performance issues.
For peace of mind this holiday season, schedule a preventative HVAC fall maintenance checkup with your local Trane Comfort Specialist before Florida’s winter weather arrives – whether that be cooler temperatures or in anticipation of heavy rain storms. This is especially important because HVAC technicians may be hard to reach during the holidays. A thorough inspection can catch any potential issues and ensure your system is running at peak efficiency. When talking with your local HVAC professional, you can also learn about several ways to save money, including eco rebates, special financing options, tax credits, and more.
Tax Savings Available in Florida
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a combination of tax credits and rebates for purchases such as heat pumps. Let’s break it down…
- Extension of the Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credit (25C)
- This credit has been significantly enhanced and renamed as the Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit beginning January 1, 2023
- Provides a tax credit to homeowners when installing certain residential heating and cooling equipment
- The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit
- Starting 01/01/2023 through 12/31/2032, this credit will provide a 30 percent credit rate with an annual cap of $1,200 for HVAC products that meet the highest non-advanced Consortium for Energy Efficiency tier
- Up to $600 for qualified air conditioners and furnace
- Up to $2,000 for qualified heat pumps
- Starting 01/01/2023 through 12/31/2032, this credit will provide a 30 percent credit rate with an annual cap of $1,200 for HVAC products that meet the highest non-advanced Consortium for Energy Efficiency tier
HVAC Tune Up Tip #3: Create a Calendar Invite for Seasonal Maintenance
Broken AC units are inefficient units, so keep yours performing at its peak! What might seem like a minor issue now (when temperatures are cooler) could become an expensive (and hot) one later if you don’t address it.
Should your existing system be ready for an efficiency upgrade, a Trane Comfort Specialist can help you choose a system that is more energy-efficient than the unit/s you may have had installed when you first moved into your home however many years ago. Energy Star® certified products will use about 35% less energy and save more than 8,000 pounds for greenhouse gas emissions per year- FYI.
HVAC Maintenance & Repair: Signs to Look Out For
What signs should Florida residents look out for that indicate their HVAC system may need repair or maintenance?
- The system is requiring more frequent repairs.
- Your utility bills are going up
- The air conditioner or furnace is making odd noises or emitting strange odors
- The warranty is expired or will be soon
HVAC Tune Up Tip #4: Invest in a Smart Thermostat
By connecting your HVAC system to the internet, smart thermostats allow you to control your home temperature remotely. Controlled easily by your phone, the smart thermostat allows homeowners to turn off their system when they are not home, reducing energy use.
My personal favorite, the Trane ComfortLink® II XL1050, is one of the best smart thermostats on the market. It is specifically designed to control Trane’s top-of-the-line variable speed equipment and allows you to program temperature settings seven days a week, with up to four schedules per day, which can help you save money and energy in your home.
According to Energy Star, homeowners will likely save at least $100 a year on energy bills when they install a smart thermostat.
HVAC Tune Up Tip #5: Check Your Home’s Insulation & Seals
If your attic isn’t properly insulated, your HVAC system must work harder to keep your home at a consistently comfortable temperature. The more it works, the more it costs you.
I’m sure my Christmas decorations aren’t exactly doing the job up there!
Thank you so much to our Trane partners for these helpful HVAC tune up tips! I can’t wait to open my windows and slider doors this season and give my hard-working HVAC system some much-needed time off.
Sponsored: This blog post was sponsored by Trane Residential. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. Any statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with provider and please refer to this site’s Disclosure for more information. I have been compensated, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
