HVAC systems are an important part of residential and commercial buildings. They help regulate and stabilize temperature, air quality, humidity, and more.
Old systems with low ratings require more energy to run than new, high-efficiency units. Click here at https://alltemprefrigerationfl.com/ to learn several things you can do to improve your system’s efficiency.
Change The Air Filter
Air filters are an essential part of any HVAC system and they help to keep the system running efficiently. Dirty filters restrict airflow and force the equipment to work harder, consuming more energy. Changing the filter regularly is a simple task that can make a significant difference in energy savings.
One of the most common problems people have with their HVAC systems is that they are not changing the air filters often enough. This causes the equipment to have to work harder, causing it to wear out faster and consume more energy.
To change a filter, first turn off the HVAC unit so you can access it easily. Then remove the access panel and take out the old filter, which can be a bit messy as it may have dust or dirt on it. Replace the new filter, making sure it is oriented in the correct direction. Many filters have arrows on them that indicate which way the air should flow, and it is important to follow these directions.
Also, be sure that furniture or curtains are not blocking the vents or ducts, which can block airflow and again affect efficiency. Finally, write the date on the new filter so you will remember when it is time to change it again. It is best to do this once every three months. It’s a small task that can save big money in energy costs and prevent the need for expensive repairs. The cost of replacing a dirty air filter can be more than the cost of the annual repair service for an HVAC unit. This is one of the easiest ways to cut your energy costs.
Turn Off The Lights
There are many things you can do to improve your HVAC system’s energy efficiency. These include using appliances that generate heat such as ovens, stoves, and dryers only during the coolest parts of the day (like early mornings and late evenings). Doing so helps keep unnecessary heat out of your house. It also prevents your air conditioning system from having to work as hard.
You should also close your curtains or blinds during the summer, which helps block out excess sunlight and keeps your home cooler. However, during winter, you should open your curtains to allow the sun to naturally warm your home, which decreases the pressure on your AC system to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Many HVAC systems have built-in UV lights, which use special UV-C light to sterilize microorganisms that can cause respiratory illnesses. These lights are especially helpful in preventing mold growth on the evaporator coil, which is a common problem for many air conditioning units. They can also sterilize the air that moves through the ductwork into your home’s vents.
If you don’t have an HVAC system with a built-in UV light, you can also get a portable version that goes near the evaporator coil and stays on all the time or one that sits in your supply vents and sanitizes the air before it circulates through your home. These lights can reduce your energy usage by up to 50%, as they eliminate the need for your HVAC system to operate as often.
Additionally, these lights can help you neutralize odors in your home that are caused by bacteria and other pathogens. They can be extremely effective if you’re used to opening your windows and doors every time your guests arrive, which only provides a temporary solution.
Turn Down The Thermostat
Changing the temperature settings on your thermostat is one of the simplest ways to improve HVAC energy efficiency. Many modern thermostats are programmable and can be set to automatically change the temperature during different times of the day. For example, setting it to lower the temperature when you’re asleep and higher when you’re at work can save a lot of money throughout the year.
Another way to reduce HVAC energy use is by insulating your home as much as possible. It can make a big difference in how far your HVAC system has to work to maintain the right temperatures. It’s especially important to insulate ducts and outlets, as these are common areas of heat loss. You can also insulate windows and walls to help trap conditioned air inside.
It’s also important to keep your outdoor unit clean, as it can significantly reduce the energy it takes to cool your home. This includes keeping it free of any debris and making sure it doesn’t get blocked by tall bushes or trees. Additionally, you should regularly check the area around it for moisture or water leaks.
Finally, if you’re going on vacation or leaving your house for extended periods, it’s a good idea to raise the thermostat temperature a few degrees. This will prevent your system from running more than it needs to, which can strain an already overworked air conditioner and hasten a breakdown.
It’s also worth noting that it takes a lot more energy to turn on an AC system than it does to maintain the same temperature. That’s why it’s important to only adjust the thermostat temperature a few degrees when necessary.
Keep Your Vents Clean
Clean air vents are an essential part of your HVAC system. If your vents are clogged with dust, they can’t blow the air out of your house as effectively. This causes your system to work harder to get the job done, which increases your energy usage. Cleaning your air vents can be as easy as pulling down the covers and vacuuming out the cobwebs, dirt, and dust with a household vacuum. Using a long hose will help you reach deep into the corners and crevices. You can also clean the grills on the ceiling by wiping them down with a damp rag or towel.
Keep furniture, draperies, and rugs away from your indoor vents to allow for clear airflow. It’s best to do this routinely to avoid the buildup of debris. You can also try using a nozzle on your vacuum to suck out the dust. It won’t get as deep as a professional cleaning, but it will make a big difference in how well your vents work.
Regular maintenance on your HVAC system will ensure that the unit is working efficiently. It’s a good idea to schedule an annual maintenance service with a qualified technician who will inspect your system for any problems or areas of improvement. This will help your home maintain its optimal temperature and save you money on energy costs.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important to keep the area around your outdoor unit free of dirt, leaves, and branches. This will ensure that the unit can work properly and reduce the risk of leaks or other issues. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular pruning on shrubs and trees near your unit.
Install Fans
The simplest way to save energy is to install fans in your home or office. This will help to circulate the air, which can keep your HVAC system working efficiently throughout the day. This can also reduce the amount of work your HVAC system has to do to maintain a comfortable temperature, which will result in lower energy bills.
In addition, you should also invest in high-quality MERV-rated replacement filters. This type of filter helps to trap 1.0 – 10.0 microns of particles like lint, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and more. This will prevent these particles from contaminating your indoor air and making it hard for your HVAC system to keep up with the demands of your indoor environment.
If you have a large house with long, complicated ductwork systems, it may be difficult for your HVAC system to deliver conditioned air to all areas of the building. Adding inline fans will help to increase the airflow through these longer ducts, which can boost your HVAC system’s efficiency. You can install these fans by plugging them in or hardwiring them into your existing HVAC fan circuit.
Keeping your return vents clean and free of debris is another simple way to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Regularly vacuuming these vents will help to prevent dust from blowing into the HVAC system and causing it to work overtime to keep your indoor environment comfortable.
By taking these easy steps, you can significantly improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and lower your energy costs. Remember, though, that you should still hire a professional for routine maintenance and repairs. It’s not worth it to put your expensive investment at risk by trying to save money with DIY fixes that could damage your system and cause costly repair bills.
