HVAC Tips for Efficiency, Comfort, and System Longevity

If you live in Richmond, VA, Short Pump, Glen Allen, or Midlothian, ensuring your HVAC system is running efficiently is crucial for comfort year-round. At West End Heating and Air, we specialize in providing top-quality heating and cooling services to keep your home or business comfortable in every season.

1. Is It Worth Fixing Refrigerant Leaks?

In many cases, it’s actually cheaper over the life of your equipment—or for the years you plan to stay in your home—to add refrigerant annually rather than repairing minor leaks. Repairing leaks can be costly, and unless it’s a major issue, a simple recharge may be the more cost-effective option.

2. Should You Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace?

If you’re considering replacing your 80% efficiency gas furnace with a 90%+ efficiency model, location matters. While a 90%+ furnace is great for energy savings, installing one in the attic isn’t always the best choice.

• ROI takes time – The 10-12% increase in efficiency takes years to pay for itself.
• Condensate lines can freeze – These high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate that must be drained. In an attic, those lines are more prone to freezing, leading to system failures.

Best practice: If you’re upgrading to a 90%+ furnace, install it on the first floor, where condensate drainage is less of an issue.

3. Balancing Temperatures Between Floors

These Richmond, VA summers can be sweltering, so make sure the first-floor temperature is not set higher than the second-floor temperature.

Why?

• Heat naturally rises.
• If the first floor is warmer, the heat will rise and overload the second floor, making it harder to cool.

A balanced temperature throughout the house ensures your AC runs more efficiently and keeps every room comfortable.

4. Don’t Close Too Many Supply Vents

It might seem like closing off vents in unused rooms will save energy, but HVAC systems rely on proper airflow to function efficiently.

• Closing too many vents increases pressure in the system, making it work harder and reducing efficiency.
• If you must close vents, limit it to one or two at most.
• Keep second-floor bedroom doors open or slightly cracked so return air can circulate properly.
• If you have an open-to-below design, the hall return will pull hot air from the first floor rather than properly circulating air from the bedrooms.

5. Always Install a Redundant Condensate Safety Switch

If your HVAC system is located above your living space, a redundant condensate safety switch is a must-have.

Why?

• It prevents costly water damage by shutting down the system before condensate overflows.
• Many emergency HVAC calls are due to leaks that could have been avoided with this simple addition.

6. The Truth About Smart Thermostats

Some Smart thermostats look sleek, but when it comes to performance? They’re better suited as hockey pucks.

Many Richmond homeowners experience issues with:

• Inconsistent temperature control
• Short-cycling problems
• Lack of advanced HVAC system compatibility
• Eco settings turning your system off during peak outdoor temperatures.
• Forced updates that re-configure your thermostats without our approval.

For the best efficiency and reliability, consider a thermostat designed for HVAC professionals, such as Honeywell and April Aire models.

At West End Heating and Air, we proudly serve Richmond, Mechanicsville, Ashland, Short Pump, Glen Allen, Midlothian, and Henrico County with expert HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation services. We offer a seasonal service membership to ensure that your home is running efficiently and we can provide in-person tips to help boost your comfort. Give us a call today at 804.288.4747 or sign up here!