In addition to increased energy savings, an energy-efficient HVAC system has better lifetime performance and provides more consistently comfortable indoor spaces than would a lower-quality unit. In this blog post, your local heating and cooling expert Hader discusses some ways to help improve your home’s energy efficiency even further.
Don’t Neglect HVAC Maintenance — Regular maintenance is key to reliable HVAC performance, and therefore should never be neglected. HVAC maintenance is conducted once a year, with inspections and filter cleaning (or replacement) as needed in between. This is particularly important with oil- or gas-fired furnaces, as the buildup of residue from the consumed fuel could result in reduced efficiency.
Choose the Right Programmable Thermostat — The question may seem out of place, but one of the first things we ask clients who buy programmable thermostats about is their weekly schedule. This is because there are three types of programmable thermostats:
-
A 7-day model that repeats the same cycle every 24 hours throughout the year, which is ideal if the occupant has an irregular schedule.
-
A 5+2-day model can be programmed to have a weekday cycle and a weekend cycle.
-
A 5+1+1 model can be programmed for five weekdays, with different cycles for Saturday and Sunday. This lets you avoid wasted heating and cooling by allocating it at the times and in the areas that you need it.
Seal Your Home’s Ductwork — Air duct leaks will waste your conditioned air and lead to increased utility bills, which is why you should treat ductwork like plumbing by locating and repairing leaks as soon as possible. There are many ways to repair leaks, from looking for and taping them by sight to administering sealing solutions like Aeroseal.
Address Insulation Issues Around the House — One of the main causes of energy inefficiency is insulation problems in the exterior walls, attic and fenestrations (windows, skylights and entry doors). Insulation in the attic and walls may be damaged from heat and moisture intrusion, while fenestrations can spring leaks. Addressing these leaks can dramatically reduce the HVAC system’s need to compensate for temperature differences, which can result in significant energy savings.
Choose an Efficient HVAC System — If you have an old heating or cooling system, you may want to have it tested for efficiency. The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings of fuel-based furnaces can diminish over time, which means that as the ratings get lower, you get less heating for every dollar you spend on fuel. Your HVAC technician can help you explore other types of HVAC systems if yours is up for replacement.
Call Hader for All Your HVAC Needs
Hader is your leading provider of HVAC repair, maintenance and installation services. Give us a call at (513) 612-9201 or fill out our contact form.
