5 Ways to Make Your HVAC System More Efficient
Everyone wants to save money on their utility bills. One place people can see a big difference in their energy spending is with their HVAC unit. Homeowners’ can see a reduction in heating and cooling costs by implementing just a few strategies. Try these out and keep a record of your utility bill costs over a few months to see if you can save money by making your system, and home, more energy efficient:
- Replace filters – Air filters need to be changed every 1-3 months to keep your system running efficiently. Check your HVAC filters every month and change when it starts to become opaque. You should be able to see light through a clean air filter.
- Keep the thermostat adjusted for energy savings – Invest in a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures throughout the year. Keep the temperature at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during winter and try to keep it close to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. For every degree up during the summer and down during the winter, you can save an average of 5-15% on your energy bill.
- Call a professional for regular maintenance – Regular maintenance inspections are a fast way to increase the life expectancy of your system as well as improve its energy efficiency. If mechanical components are wearing out, your heat pump or fan isn’t working properly, or excess moisture is building up in the system, you may not realize it until it’s too late. Get biannual or quarterly inspections to ensure that your HVAC is running at optimal efficiency.
- Improve insulation – If your home isn’t properly sealed and insulated, you could be letting money fly out of the windows and walls. Take the time to inspect your garage, basement, and attic for insulation damage. Try adding thin insulating panels to metal garage doors, too.
- Reseal windows and doors – Caulk can lose its sealing capabilities over time. Inspect your windows and doors to see if there are any gaps in the caulking inside and out. Fill them in and add weather-stripping to your doors for the best protection.
When it’s time for a new furnace or air conditioner, look for Energy Star ratings. Heating and air conditioning systems may need to be replaced if they are 10-15 years old or more. Equipment that has been rated for efficiency can help you further reduce costs by hundreds of dollars a year.
For more information about inspections and services, call the professionals at Climatic Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Leesburg, Virginia.
