How To Improve Your HVAC System’s Energy Efficiency

Your home’s heating and cooling systems significantly affect your energy usage, so it only makes sense to ensure they are running efficiently. Besides lowering your utility bills, conserving energy is also helpful for the environment. Read on to find out how to make residential heating and air conditioning more energy-efficient.

Signs Your HVAC System Is Wasting Energy

Here are telltale signs that indicate your heating and cooling units are consuming more energy than necessary. You’ll know if your HVAC systems are wasting energy if you find these:

1. Sudden spikes in your utility bills
2. Ice buildups on your AC condenser unit
3. Humid feeling even when the AC is on
4. Unfamiliar sounds on your HVAC systems
5. Frequent on and off cycling of your units
6. Recurring breakdowns

Tips To Make Your HVAC System More Energy-Efficient

There are plenty of ways to improve the energy efficiency of your heating and air conditioning units. Here are some of the things you can do:

1. Seal All Gaps in Your Home

Cold air and heat from your HVAC system can escape through gaps in your house. This can amplify your energy usage because your unit must work harder to maintain your desired temperature.

Gaps in your home are usually found in windows and doors. Air can also slip through air ducts. Below are a few things you can do to prevent air leaks:

• Keep your windows shut when your HVAC unit is on.
• Block out cold drafts below doors by installing weather strips.
• Add caulk in non-moving portions of your doors and windows.
• Have your ducts checked and sealed by professionals.

2. Enhance Your Insulation  

Insulation lessens heat flow in your home. As a result, during winter, your home loses less heat. And during summer, you are protected from the sun’s heat. This gives your HVAC unit less work and helps you save energy. Some of the ways to improve home insulation are:

• Use double-paned windows.
• Add drapes to your windows.
• Install insulation in your attic and around the rim joists in your basement.

3. Ensure Routine Maintenance Is Carried Out

Keeping your heating and cooling systems in mint condition ensures that they run effectively. Never miss routine inspections and follow your maintenance checklist. If you don’t have the time and knowledge to do these, it is best to enlist the help of professionals. Schedule a semi-annual appointment with your local HVAC experts.

4. Upgrade Thermostats

Thermostats help you set the temperature of your home. Today, the latest models can automatically adjust even while you’re away or asleep. This way, your HVAC units operate at the right temperature all the time–not too hot nor too cold. As a result, you can ramp up your energy efficiency effortlessly. Here are some of your best options for thermostats:

• Programmable Thermostats. These thermostats change the temperature of your home on a set schedule. You can program them depending on your household’s activities.
• Smart Thermostats. These temperature-regulating devices offer ultimate convenience. They allow you to change the setting of your HVAC units from your smartphone. Some models can even learn your household’s lifestyle habits and adjust the temperature accordingly.

5. Replace Your Air Filters Regularly

When dust and debris block your air filters, it is harder for your HVAC unit to blow clean air, increasing energy usage. Change them regularly to improve your unit’s efficiency and avoid poor indoor air quality. Experts recommend replacing them every 90 days. But if you have pets or allergies, it is best to change them every 20 to 45 days.

6. Use Ceiling Fans

During summer, you can use ceiling fans to circulate cool air. Doing so can help you avoid using your AC too frequently and setting it at very low temperatures.

These fans also help save energy during the cold months, especially if you have high ceilings. They can push rising hot air to the ground, so it’s easier for your heating system to keep your home warm.

7. Upgrade Your HVAC Unit

Heating and air conditioning units lose efficiency over time, so you have to know how old they are. The Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program suggests replacing air conditioners and heat pumps after ten years of use. For furnaces and boilers, you should change them every 15 years.

Changing your unit also comes with another perk—you can find more energy-efficient systems. Newer systems are typically designed to consume less energy. Consult with your HVAC providers about which units are the most efficient for your area.

Having an efficiently working HVAC system helps you save on energy costs and aids in conserving the environment. You can follow the mentioned tips for better energy usage of your units. Call residential heating and air conditioning service providers for more recommendations to improve energy efficiency in your home.