On average, a good air conditioning unit lasts between 10-15 years. At some point, you will need to repair the unit before replacing it. Over the course of its lifetime, a cooling unit requires regular servicing to prevent it from malfunctioning. Most of these problems can be easily identified and dealt with before they can shut down the HVAC unit.

Thirteen percent of a home’s energy costs are for cooling, according to Energy Star. Here are three easy ways to rein in these expenses—even on hot summer days.

1. Turn your fan on. Instead of setting the air conditioner to 74° or 76° F, set it to 78° F and let your ceiling fan do the rest. It costs little to run and can make the temperature feel as much as 4° F cooler, according to the Department of Energy.
2. Make simple changes that increase efficiency. Close curtains during the day to keep the sun from heating up the house, reduce oven use, repair leaky AC ductwork, and plug cracks around windows and doors.
3. Replace your thermostat. If you have central air condition­ing, one of the most effective ways to save money on cooling is to install a programmable or smart thermostat. (As a bonus, you’ll also save money on heating this winter.)

Purchasing a new home is supposed to be a great experience but for many it can be a traumatic experience. Having taken a loan from her local bank, it’s easy to rush out and buy a home without consulting the experts or lawyers. When one does not consult those with proven experience in home purchases or repairs, what is meant to be a great experience can turn into a death trap- no ventilation, dark and cold rooms during the winter. Many situations such as these can be avoided by understanding the risks, warning signs, and importance of inspections. HVAC inspections are just as important as a home inspection or termite inspections. We have compiled several important points to help you understand just how much of an impact the HVAC system has on a home.