Simple HVAC Maintenance Tips For Units In The Attic

There are different places around the house where you can place your HVAC unit, including the attic. Having your system in the attic keeps your home quieter and more spacious and keeps the unit safe from water damage. However, you will need to follow some maintenance tips to ensure the longevity of your HVAC unit. These tips include the following. 

Installing a Radiant Barrier 

You need to insulate your home to ensure the effectiveness of your HVAC system. A radiant barrier is a reflective insulation that inhibits heat transfer. The barrier blocks radiant heat from getting absorbed into your home, helping you maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient home. 

Think of the barrier as a mirror. When the sun shines, the mirror reflects the light, avoiding excessively high temperatures around your home that would force the air conditioner to work twice as hard. 

So, when installed properly, your home remains cooler during the hot seasons and warmer over the cold months. A radiant barrier is better for large homes where installing foil insulation may be expensive. 

Frequently Checking the Insulation

If a professional HVAC contractor helped install your unit in the attic, they might have recommended attic insulation. Attic insulation regulates the internal temperature of your home, helps retain heat, and keeps the cold from coming in. After HVAC installation, you should occasionally check on the insulation to know whether it is working optimally to save on energy costs. 

Insulation in the attic could become compacted. Compacted insulation is when the insulation has become compressed and loses its ability. While it sounds minor, it is quite common and a leading source of ineffectiveness.

Uneven-blown insulation is also common with attic insulation. This is where the insulation material is unevenly distributed in the attic, rendering it ineffective. Always schedule HVAC maintenance where an expert inspects the insulations. Sometimes, it can be challenging for homeowners to understand if the insulation is effective or not.

Inspecting the Ventilation 

The ventilation in your attic will affect the effectiveness of your HVAC unit. When the attic ventilation is okay, your home can maintain optimal humidity levels. The snow on your roof could melt during cold months due to the excess attic heat, trapping water. Proper ventilation prevents excessive humidity levels. It also helps reduce energy needs. Soffit vents allow air into the attic, reducing your energy needs and keeping your bills to a minimum. 

It is best to follow through with professional HVAC maintenance as often as recommended. They will ensure your HVAC unit performs optimally in the attic, keeping your house comfortable all year round.

Contact a local HVAC service to learn more.