How to Improve the Performance of an Old HVAC System
Almost everywhere you live is probably hotter than it used to be. Last year was the hottest year on record , and most major cities in the country saw their heat index rise and the number of days with temperatures reaching 90 degrees or higher increase.
If your home has central air conditioning or a mini-split system, you’re probably doing a pretty good job of beating the heat . But if your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is starting to wear out and isn’t keeping you cool , your bank account may not be able to keep up . Replacing an HVAC system costs an average of $14,100 . For most of us, that’s a tall order, even if you’re willing to finance it.
If your air conditioner is on the fritz and you can’t afford to replace it just yet, there’s hope: A few simple, inexpensive steps can help you temporarily extend the life of your old HVAC system. Here’s what to try.
Basic service
If your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is old and in good working order, you’re probably on a maintenance schedule. That doesn’t mean a little extra TLC won’t give the old system a boost:
-
Clean the coils. The coils of your unit’s outdoor condenser are key to efficient cooling. The cleaner they are, the better your air conditioner will perform. So grab a can of foaming coil cleaner , spray it on, let it sit, and then hose it off.
-
Clean (or replace) the filters. Clogged, dirty filters anywhere in the system will make it much harder for your HVAC system to cool your home. Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or install new ones if they are disposable.
-
Clean the vents and air ducts. Just like filters, if the vents, grilles, and air ducts are clogged with dust, it won’t give you the full effect. Plus, it’s pretty annoying. Clean them thoroughly for a quick improvement.
You may also want to consider calling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional to check if you need to add refrigerant to your system. Older air conditioning systems can leak refrigerant, which turns hot air into cold air, so adding refrigerant may help, but it’s not exactly a DIY job. Plus, if your system has a refrigerant leak, adding refrigerant will only be a temporary fix at best. Still, it’s worth considering if the professional agrees it’s worth a try.
Clear the space
Some people claim that shading the condenser unit will reduce the ambient temperature and increase its efficiency, but this is probably not true – any gain is likely to be insignificant. On the other hand, shading the unit may actually make it worse , as it may restrict air circulation around the condenser. So, rather than placing an umbrella or other structure over the condenser to protect it from the sun, it is better to clear the area around it in the first place to ensure maximum air circulation.
Unless we’re talking about trees. If your apartment is shaded by trees on your property, your home is likely shaded, too, and that shade will help your HVAC system by lowering the overall base temperature of your home.
“Super cool” at night
One way to improve the performance of an old HVAC system is to adjust its operating mode. If you turn it off (or raise the thermostat) at night because it gets cooler, and then turn it back on when the sun comes up to stress you out again, you’re actually making your system work harder and reducing its chances of success.
Instead, “super cool” your home by lowering your thermostat at night. Electricity is usually cheaper at night, so this won’t be as expensive as it might seem. And if your home is cold in the morning, your HVAC system will have a much easier time maintaining the temperature as the outside temperature rises. Plus, it’s much healthier for your system to be on all the time than to turn it on and off based on how you feel.
Seal everything
One way your home is working against an old HVAC system is through air leakage. Check your doors and windows for drafts and seal them by recaulking or adding weatherstripping.
You should also check your air ducts for leaks. Use a smoke pencil , candle, or just your hand to feel for air leaks from open ducts, then seal those leaks with quality HVAC caulking tape . If you can’t check your ducts yourself or suspect a large leak, an HVAC professional can perform a thorough leak inspection and make repairs if necessary.
Fan amplifiers
One trick that works for both cooling and heating your home is installing air-boosting fans . These fans are installed in the air intakes and increase the air flow. While air-boosting fans won’t fix a broken or underpowered system, they can help bring cool air into the rooms, which can have a significant positive effect. To minimize the impact on your budget, you can focus their installation on the warmest rooms in your home, which are often the ones farthest from the condensing unit.