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Essential HVAC Tips for San Antonio Homeowners

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Simple HVAC Tips for Improving Air Quality and Heating and Cooling System Performance in Your San Antonio Home



As a homeowner in San Antonio, keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hot Texas summers (and sometimes the spring and fall) can take a toll on your energy bills. It can also impact the air quality inside, which directly affects your health.

Staying comfortable without increasing your utility bills can feel like a constant struggle, but a few simple adjustments could change things for the better. Any San Antonio homeowner can improve the performance of their air conditioning and heating system, reduce energy consumption and enhance air quality for a healthier indoor environment with these seven HVAC tips.



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The Easiest Way to Improve Performance and Air Quality: Invest in High-Efficiency Air Filters


The right air filter not only improves your HVAC system’s energy efficiency, it also improves the indoor air quality. There are two elements involved with air filters:


The Type of Air Filter That's Used

For the best indoor air quality use high-efficiency pleated filters. They trap more dust, allergens and debris compared to standard filters. The MERV rating also matters. The MERV rating is a measure of the contaminants that the air filter can catch. Air filters with a MERV rating between 8-11 provide a good balance of filtration and airflow, keeping your HVAC system running efficiently while capturing allergens and other particles.


How Clean the Air Filter Is

A dirty air filter isn't good for air quality or HVAC performance. The cleaner the filter, the easier it is for your system to circulate cool air without resistance. Less resistance translates into less work for the HVAC system and less energy use. Be sure to clean or replace air filter regularly at least every 1-3 months, depending on the type of air filter you have, how much you use the HVAC unit and conditions inside the home.



Keep Air Flowing by Improving Vent Use

Proper airflow is essential to making sure your HVAC system can cool your home effectively and evenly. If airflow is restricted, your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature or you may be tempted to adjust the temperature to increase comfort.

Something to watch out for is vents that are dirty, closed or covered. Make sure vents and registers are clear of furniture, rugs and curtains so that air can flow freely and your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work harder than necessary. The vents should be fully opened in rooms that are regularly used and closed in areas where you don't usually go, like a guest bedroom.

Bonus Tip: Ceiling fans can be used in the summer to circulate cool air throughout your home. They help reduce the load on your HVAC system, allowing it to cool your home more efficiently while also making it feel a couple degrees cooler when you're in the room.



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Automatically Reduce Energy Use by Using the Programmable Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy usage and keep your home cool without having to make a conscious effort is by using your programmable thermostat wisely. Programmable thermostats allow you to set your home’s temperature based on your schedule, so you're not warming or cooling an empty house all day.

In the summer it's best practice to set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when you’re home and increase it to 85°F when you’re away. This will help your system run more efficiently, reduce energy waste and keep your energy bills as low as possible. By setting the temperature to go down about thirty minutes before you get home you won't have to worry about it being uncomfortable once you get back.

During the winter you can cut down on energy use and heating costs by setting the temperature to 60°F when you're away and increasing it to 68-70°F when you're back home. Doing so will reduce energy use by as much as 10%.



Seal Leaks and Insulate Your Home

Even the best HVAC system can struggle if your home has air leaks or insufficient insulation. Drafts around windows, doors and within ducts allow conditioned air to escape and let unconditioned air in. This completely undermines all the work of the HVAC system.

You may be surprised at how large gaps around windows and doors can be. These gaps can be sealed quickly and easily with weatherstripping or caulk.

Insulation is also huge for regulating the temperature inside your home. Adding insulation to your attic could help keep your home more comfortable. Insulate your ductwork as well, especially in unconditioned areas like the attic or crawl space, to prevent conditioned air from escaping before it reaches your living spaces.



Control the Temperature and Comfort Inside by Controlling Humidity Levels

Humidity can make your home feel hotter, causing you to adjust the temperature and make the HVAC system work more than necessary. Keeping your home’s humidity at an optimal level will help you stay cool and comfortable without overdoing it with the air conditioner.

Aim for humidity levels between 30-50% inside for the best level of comfort by using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture. Your thermostat may also have a built-in humidity control to help maintain the perfect level.



White air purifier emitting mist in a room with a green wall, next to a blue couch and a potted plant. Bright, calm atmosphere.

Use Air Purifiers to Further Enhance Air Quality

If poor indoor air quality is your biggest concern, you can use air purifiers strategically to trap airborne particles that your HVAC system’s filter might miss. Air purifiers are especially beneficial in areas like San Antonio, where allergens like pollen, dust and mold can be a major concern.

Place air purifiers with a HEPA filter in high-traffic areas or rooms where you spend the most time. Air purifiers with a carbon filter also reduce odors while improving air quality.



Keep Everything Performing Its Best With Regular HVAC Maintenance

A system that’s well-maintained works more efficiently, lasts longer and reduces the need for costly HVAC repairs. Plus, it reduces the chance of an HVAC failure during the sweltering San Antonio summer heat.

Schedule an annual inspection and maintenance, ideally at the start of spring. The condenser coils and evaporator coils should be cleaned because dirty coils can reduce the efficiency of your system and cause it to overheat.

Ready to make your home more energy-efficient? Get in touch with Allstate Air and Heat to evaluate the efficiency of your air conditioning unit or schedule HVAC services!  


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