Having access to a heating and cooling system is a great way to make your home more comfortable, no matter the season. But, running an HVAC system does come with an associated energy cost that can seem a little too high for some. Achieving a balance between performance and energy efficiency can be tricky, but it’s essential if you want to save money. In this article, we will look at six tips that will help you get the most out of your HVAC system without breaking the bank.
- Create a Schedule
The natural reaction to a home that is too hot or cold is to adjust the thermostat to make the indoor spaces warmer or cooler. But, each time this is done, the demand for energy is increased a little, and this will drive up the energy bills. A better way to approach this problem is to program your heating and cooling schedule in advance and then stick to it. There are many strategies that you can try to find the ideal programming schedule to meet your needs. Every home will be different, and it’s important to experiment a little to keep the home comfortable and boost energy efficiency. This will only work if you have a least a basic digital thermostat unit, but if you have a smart thermostat, you can have access to a host of other programming possibilities.
- Fix Your Ducts
If you have a duct system in your home, it needs to be clean and sealed to work efficiently. If you have cracks, splits, and breaks anywhere in the ductwork, the treated air can easily escape. This essentially means that you are paying to run the HVAC system, and yet you are only receiving some of the treated air you paid for. To make matters worse, you may notice this lack of performance and adjust the thermostat, wasting even more money. Another aspect is the introduction of dust and debris into your indoor air through those same cracks. This will lower the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), and it could trigger allergic reactions. If you have ductwork in your home, it’s a great idea to get it inspected and cleaned regularly.
- Switch to Ductless
If you have ductwork and you want a change, or you are installing an HVAC system in a brand new home, you could opt for a ductless system. A ductless HVAC system is more expensive up front when compared to a standard system. But, this type of system does have its advantages; it is more energy efficient, and you don’t have duct cleaning or maintenance worries. This may seem tempting, but it’s important to install a ductless system for the right reasons, and it may not be suitable for every home. If your curiosity has been piqued, contact a local certified HVAC specialist for professional advice first.
- Regular Maintenance is Essential
Like any piece of complex equipment, your HVAC system needs regular essential maintenance to maintain the performance and maximize energy efficiency. Over time, any HVAC system will degrade in terms of performance and efficiency, and eventually, it will fail entirely. But, if you hire a local HVAC contractor to inspect, clean, and maintain your system annually, you can extend the useful lifespan significantly. Another key advantage is the early detection of small issues before they can develop into larger problems. Minor issues are typically easier and cheaper to fix when compared to a major problem. If your HVAC system is struggling along with a failing component, it can affect other parts of your system, leading to a more extensive repair.
As an example: imagine that your ductwork has a small leak. It isn’t detected or sealed, and it develops into a larger crack. In this example, the HVAC system will work harder in order to compensate, and overworked equipment is more likely to fail. This could lead to an expensive repair bill, or in extreme cases; it could even lead to a total HVAC system replacement. Ideally, you should schedule twice yearly maintenance at the start of the heating and cooling season.
- Clear and Clean the Vents
The HVAC system needs a steady airflow to work correctly, and if this is impeded, it can affect the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the equipment. The vents can be vacuumed regularly to remove dust and debris, but they must be accessible. If you have furniture, drapes, or other items covering the vents, they should be removed. Many people believe that they can save money by closing vents in rooms that are not in use. This is a false economy with no basis in reality, and you can even make your HVAC system less efficient. Instead, just open the vents slightly to allow the air to flow into every room, and you can avoid hot and cold spots and reliability issues.
- Adjust the Thermostat Temperature
When you program your thermostat, try adjusting the temperature by around 5º to save money on your energy bills. In winter, turn the temperature down by 5º and in summer turn it up by 5º. Some people can even live comfortably with a change of 8º in either direction, and it’s worth experimenting to see how it affects your home. Most people don’t notice any change in their indoor comfort levels when they make these minor changes. But, over the course of an entire year, you may be surprised at the energy savings you can make. This idea can work very well with a smart or programmable thermostat because you can adjust the temperature when you’re not at home. Then just before you return home, it can be automatically adjusted again to increase the comfort levels.
It is possible to keep your home comfortable all year round without spending too much money on your energy bills. If you adopt even one of these tips, you can make significant savings, but using all of them will make a significant difference. If you want to implement changes to save energy, contact your local HVAC specialist today.