Save Money & Get the Most Out of Your HVAC System
For homeowners, an HVAC system is something that doesn’t usually take up too much of our thoughts until we need AC repair or furnace repair, that is. HVAC stands for “Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning,” and it’s a modern convenience most of us have grown accustomed to and can’t imagine living without.
Heat in the winter and cool air in the summer comes at a high cost, though, if your AC and furnace are overburdened or not maintained properly. That’s why we’re sharing ten easy tips to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Reduce the cost of your energy bill and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system at the same time: it sounds like a win-win!
10 Tips to Improve Your HVAC System’s Energy Efficiency
1. Adjust & Upgrade Your Thermostat. This tip is 2 for 1 (you’re welcome). Lowering the temperature on your thermostat by 3-5 degrees in winter and raising it slightly in the summer can significantly impact how hard your HVAC system has to work! So, you like to wear t-shirts year-round. Trust us, we get it, but turning the temp down on the thermostat and throwing on a sweatshirt when it’s cold outside will ease the burden on your furnace and save you money!
Another great idea is to install a smart thermostat. With WiFi capabilities, you can control the thermostat from anywhere. Control the temperature of your home based on your daily routines and have access to real-time updates such as power outages, needed filter changes, and more!
2. Utilize Curtains & Blinds. Curtains and blinds are more than simple decorations. They assist your HVAC system and improve your home’s energy efficiency if used wisely. Close your blinds and curtains on a summer day to block out heat, and open them to let the sunshine warm your home in the winter.
3. Schedule regular tune-ups for your HVAC system. Keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round with professional inspections at the start of each new season. HVAC technicians are trained to detect even the most minor issues and resolve them before they turn into costly malfunctions. A minimum of one yearly maintenance tune-up will ensure you won’t get stuck in midsummer with no air or midwinter without heat.
4. Replace air filters often. The timeframe in which you need to replace your home’s air filters varies based on a few factors. If your HVAC system is old, you own pets, or your property is located in a dusty climate, you may need to replace your air filters more often because they will collect more dirt, dust, and debris. The average recommendation for air filter replacement is every 90 days.
5. Keep vents clean and unobstructed. Covering a vent with heavy furniture or curtains will make your HVAC system work harder to push air out. Keep all vents flowing freely by strategically placing furniture away from the vents. Occasionally vacuum and wipe down vents to clear out accumulated dust or dirt.
6. Seal and insulate your heating and cooling ducts. If your home has an attic, basement, crawlspace, or garage, these are the best places to start. Use a duct sealant along seams and connection points, and then wrap insulation around the ducts to keep cool air and heat from escaping so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
7. Clean your drain line. Avoid basement flooding and AC issues by cleaning your drain line. Use one cup of bleach followed by a gallon of water to flush out the drain. This will help your HVAC system continue to work efficiently.
8. Keep the condenser unit free of debris. Trim bushes, weeds, and grass around the condenser (outside) unit. A clear space will help improve energy efficiency in your HVAC system. Moisture is detrimental to an HVAC system, so keeping overgrowth away from the condenser unit is crucial to the system’s functionality.
9. Utilize fans to circulate air throughout the house. Fans help evenly distribute the warm and cool air the HVAC system produces.
10. Consider the time of day when using your oven and dryer. Two household appliances that produce substantial heat are the oven and dryer. Avoid using these appliances during the hottest parts of the day during summer. Your HVAC system will have to work overtime to keep up otherwise.
Bonus Tip! Upgrade Your HVAC System for Improved Energy Efficiency
If you’ve done all you can to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system and you still notice your system struggling to keep up, it may be time to replace your HVAC system altogether! Consult with a professional heating and cooling company to ensure you receive a suitable system for your home.
At TopNotch Heating and Air, our team specializes in AC installation and furnace installation in Gwinnett County, GA, and the surrounding communities. We are happy to answer any HVAC-related questions you have. We provide dependable and affordable HVAC service when you need it most. Contact us today for more information.
