There’s no denying that around the world the weather has been getting progressively more extreme this year. With so many of us looking for ways to cut the cold or beat the heat, could these changes within our climate be affecting our ventilation systems?
Changes in temperature can stress HVAC systems, so it’s important to make sure everything is properly maintained and repaired. Here are some ways that climate change can affect your HVAC ventilation as well as tips on how to prolong the life of your heating and cooling systems.
How Climate Change Can Affect Your HVAC Ventilation
When temperatures become extremely cold or hot, your system needs to run harder than usual to maintain a comfortable temperature. Because of this, climate change can impact your energy bill.
Higher temperatures and greater levels of humidity can wreak havoc on your HVAC system. For example, when the weather is hot and humid, your air conditioning system needs more power to maintain a cool interior temperature. This puts additional stress on the unit’s components. In the winter months, humidity levels can drop and your heating system will require more energy pressure to keep your building warm and comfortable.
Although HVAC systems are built to be robust, they are not usually built to withstand extreme temperatures and severe humidity – two occurrences that are expected as climate change continues to reshape our environment.
In addition to affecting a building’s interior temperature, climate change can also cause issues with the exterior components of your HVAC system. Humidity causes more dust and debris that can clog up the unit meaning that they will have to be cleaned more regularly or replaced.
Climate Change and the AC Unit Rating System
The climate of your area can impact the HVAC rating you need. HVAC units have to meet certain requirements and their ratings can be affected by both the type of heating you have and the environment where you’re located.
Being aware of these ratings is important so that you choose the right system for your business. As climate change continues, it’s possible that the ratings on systems will change as well – this means that older systems by not be as effective and reliable as before. That being said, HVAC technology is constantly evolving so you can check the market to see whether or not it’s time for a replacement instead of constant repairs.
What Can I Do To Protect My HVAC Ventilation From Climate Change?
There are always small changes you can make to your lifestyle to help combat climate change. When it comes to extended the lifespan of your HVAC unit, there are small things you can do as well:
Schedule Maintenance Twice a Year
While HVAC systems don’t particularly require a lot of maintenance, changes in the climate can put undue stress on the unit. This means that routine maintenance is important to ensure your unit is clean and any issues are addressed before they become major problems.
The best time to schedule HVAC service is in the spring for your air conditioner and in the fall for your heating system. This way, your systems will be optimized and in working condition for the first day you need to use them.
Regularly Change Your Filters
If your air filters are dirty, they need to be replaced. Running your HVAC ventilation with dirty filters causes the fan to work harder and diminishes the lifespan of the entire system.
Depending on the filter you use, they should be changed every 30 days or three months. When you sign a maintenance agreement with an HVAC technician, they will check the filters during their visit – but it’s up to you to ensure they are changed regularly.
Utilize Your Settings
Most HVAC systems have options when it comes to the fan settings, such as “auto” (which runs the fan only when the system is actively heating or cooling” and “on” (the fan runs constantly). Using the “on” setting forces the system to work harder and causes the filters to clog up faster. There may also be a setting that allows you to program a temperature for your space, allowing the system to work in shorter spurts to maintain that temperature.
Take Care of Your Condenser
The exterior component of your HVAC system is called the “condenser” and, while it is built to stand up to the elements, it can become damaged by extreme weather conditions. Keep an eye on your condenser for damage and be sure to clear away any debris, such as leaves or weeds, that accumulates around the unit.
Find Alternate Ways to Heat and Cool Your Space
You can ease the burden on your HVAC ventilation by finding other ways to keep your building cool or warm. For instance, you can use a ceiling fan to circulate air or reflective shades to block out the heat of the sun. In the winter, let the heat in through the windows and use space heaters to keep your building warm while setting the thermostat a little lower.
By finding alternative ways to heat and cool your building, you are also reducing the impact your HVAC has on the environment!
Climate Change and Your HVAC Ventilation
While technology is certainly making HVAC systems more efficient and environmentally friendly, extreme weather changes due to climate change can still have an effect on your ventilation. Advantage Refrigeration is dedicated to ensuring that your heating and cooling systems are operational and well maintained – this is why we offer maintenance services and 24-7 emergency service.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
