Whether you are using an old and reliable heating, ventilation and air conditioning system or you are upgrading your HVAC equipment to a newer and more energy-efficient model, you should be aware that simply having a system that is rated well for efficiency isn’t all you need to do to create a more energy-conscious and efficient home.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your HVAC equipment operating at peak performance is to perform routine preventive maintenance. This can include checking hoses, seals, filters and duct work for damage, air leaks or the wear and tear of time. Even regular inspection and maintenance, however, isn’t all you can do to help your heating and cooling system perform in the most energy-efficient way. Here are five tips to help you get the most efficiency from your HVAC equipment:
Get a system that is the proper size for your home. An HVAC unit that is too small for the size of your home will work continuously to maintain the desired temperature, which means that the internal components may wear out or break down more quickly than they normally would. A system that is too large will cycle on and off more frequently, using more electricity to do so.
Change the direction of your ceiling fans as the seasons change. While you want cool air circulating through your home during the summer, you should likewise want warm air to do so during colder seasons. Changing the direction on your ceiling fans when the temperatures start to fall will help move warm air from the ceiling down into the room. By doing this, the temperatures inside your home will feel warmer longer, reducing the need for your HVAC unit to run frequently to provide you with a comfortable interior climate.
Use a humidifier in warmer weather. When air blows on moist skin, it creates a cooling sensation. The use of a humidifier during warm weather will make you feel cooler because the air inside your home will contain more moisture. This means you won’t be running the air conditioning as much to keep the air cooled.
Make sure doors, windows and other access points are properly sealed. Air loss is the primary enemy of an HVAC unit, because it means the system has to operate more often to heat or cool the air inside your home. Doors and windows should be sealed to prevent air from escaping, and you should also check other access points like electrical outlets and plumbing pass-throughs to make sure there are no air leaks where wires, pipes or other items go through the walls of your home. This is especially true where those items pass through into an unheated space like a garage, basement, attic or exterior wall.
Adjust the thermostat by a few degrees. Rather than keeping your thermostat at 72 during the winter or 68 in the summer, set it at 70 in both seasons. The couple of degrees difference will make a big difference over time in terms of reducing your energy use and decreasing wear and tear on your HVAC equipment.
When you do replace your existing HVAC equipment, make sure you choose a unit that is ENERGY STAR rated for maximum efficiency. Combining this with the tips listed here, as well as other steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption and maximize the efficiency of your air conditioner, will help you save money, better regulate the temperature in your home and extend the life of your HVAC system.
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