6 Tips to Improve Your Home’s HVAC Energy Efficiency
Are you in need of energy efficient HVAC tips that will help you save money and the environment in the process? January is a great time of the year to evaluate the energy costs of your home and make the necessary adjustments to keep your home comfortable and operating in the most cost efficient way.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and if yourHVAC system isn’t properly maintained, it could be costing you extra money and wasting a ton of energy. That’s why in this blog, we have the top six tips to help you increase your HVAC energy efficiency.
Top 6 Energy Efficient HVAC Tips
1. Use a Smart HVAC System
If you use a Smart HVAC system, it can help you cut costs, produce cleaner air, help the environment and easily manage your system. It’s easy to have a Smart system installed and even easier to reduce your energy use because you can control it from your phone or other devices. From your furnace to hot water heater to air conditioning system, you can make small adjustments to maximize the energy output when needed.
2. Retrofit Your System
Instead of buying a whole new HVAC system, you can retrofit your current system by adding or replacing parts. This is one of the fastest ways to lower your energy consumption, save money on bills, upgrade your system and increase its lifespan. There are now ductless heating and air conditioning systems available that are less obtrusive and offer energy efficiency beyond your wildest dreams. Additionally, modern systems offer small round ducts that can be snaked through walls much like electrical wires. Technology has eliminated the need to demo drywall, and enables older homes to benefit from the modern conveniences that new homes have enjoyed over the last decade.
3. Insulate
You could be losing a significant amount of heat or air conditioning if your house is poorly insulated. By adding insulation in your attic, caulking cracks around your windows and checking the weather stripping around doors, your HVAC won’t have to work so hard and waste energy. You can also insulate your your pipes, ducts and outlets to reduce the amount of air that escapes. Consider having a energy audit of your home to identify the areas that need to be addressed.
4. Adjust the Thermostat
When your home or office is unoccupied, it’s wise to adjust your thermostat so that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. It can help you save a ton of money on your electric bill if you remember to reduce the load on your HVAC system when peak performance isn’t necessary. During the months where it’s 65-75 degrees during the day, you can shut off the system completely and open the blinds for natural heating. There are many smart thermostats on the market that can more effective heat/cool your home and save you more than 20 percent on your home energy costs. These devices can be programmed on your smart phone and offer many high tech features, making your life easier and allowing your home to work efficiently and effectively.
5. Change the Filter Regularly
When the air filter on your furnaces is blocked due to dirt, dust and debris, it can lead to issues with the system. The dust and debris can clog the fan blades in your machine, which causes it to work slower and waste electricity. This also means your system will have to run longer in order to heat or cool fully. Most filters should be changed every three months. You might want to think about getting a washable or permanent filter. They should be washed every month, especially during peak heating and cooling months, and make sure you allow them to dry completely before re-inserting them
6. Schedule Routine Services
Studies show that just by scheduling regular maintenance services for your HVAC system, you can cut energy costs by up to 40 percent. These services will help keep your system running in optimal condition, which will ensure a longer lifespan, less issues and less energy use.
(This article was contributed by Chiller Systems Service, one of the top commercial HVAC companies in Denver. They specialize in industrial and commercial HVAC technology and installation services).