Summer has officially arrived, which in Central Virginia means hot humid days are upon us. The last thing you want is for your overworked HVAC to have issues or worse yet, completely stop working. We’ve listed some maintenance tips below that can help you stay cool this summer.

Filter Replacement

It’s a good idea to replace the filter every 90 days (or as directed by your manufacturer), but try to check for any irregularities once per month. Dirty or damaged filters can cause your system to work harder than necessary. Also, try not to close more than 20% of your home’s registers, as this can strain the system.

Swap Out Your Thermostat

Invest in a bluetooth programmable thermostat, which can be controlled when you’re not at home. Bump up the temperature a few degrees when you’re out of the house, and you should see a decrease in your energy bill. 

Schedule an Energy Assessment

Dominion Power offers energy assessments, both in person and virtually, that can help identify ways to save energy in your home. Improvements you make can qualify for rebates. If you own a small business, you may qualify for Dominion’s on-site energy assessment and could receive incentives for improving your business’s energy efficiency.

Upgrade Your System

Finally, consider replacing an aging system. While it may be a large expense up front, it will save you money in the long run and will also reduce your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. Lower bills for you, better for the environment: it’s a win-win.