Just as much as fifty percent of the energy used within your own home goes to heating and air conditioning. And so producing wise actions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a large effect towards your utility expenses — plus your comfort. Take these measures to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling unit.
Exchange your air filter often
Check your filter every month, especially during heavy operation times – the winter season and summer. In case the air filter seems dirty after a month, exchange it. At the minimum, change the air filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will stall air flow and make the unit work excessively in order to keep you warm or cool — throwing away electric energy. A clean filter will likewise protect against dust and dirt from accumulating in the unit — creating pricey maintenance and/or earlier product breakdown.
Install a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat is designed for those who are away from home in the course of set time periods throughout the seven days. By means of proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat will save you about $225 annually in energy expenses.
Seal your heating and ac ducts
Ducts which advance air to and from a pressured air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are usually large electric power wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts could enhance the productivity of your heating and cooling solution up to twenty percent — and typically much more.
Place emphasis first on sealing ducts which go in the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or storeroom. Use pipeline sealant product or alternatively metal-backed strip to close the seams and connections of ducts. Subsequent to sealing the ducts in those areas, wrap them in insulating material in order to keep them from being hot during summer or cold in the winter. Then, look to seal up any other ducts that you would be able to get access to in the warmed or cooled portion of your house.
Inquire about Proper Installation of your new equipment
Replacing your older heating and ac devices with absolutely new, energy-efficient models is a great beginning. Nonetheless make sure you obtain the best performance, the new equipment must be suitably installed. The reality is, incorrect installation can cause a reduction in system effectiveness by as much as 25 percent — costing even more on your electricity bills as well as quite possibly shortening the equipment’s life.
In case your Air con device is more than 10 years old or otherwise keeping your home or apartment comfortable, have it tested by a high quality HVAC service provider. Provided it isn’t performing competently or needs upgrading, look into swapping it with a unit that’s obtained the energy economy seal of certification.