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4 Tips for Boosting HVAC Efficiency

Even the most energy-efficient homes can waste money and resources. For instance, clogged filters can make your HVAC system work harder, driving up your electric bill and draining energy unnecessarily. There is good news: you don’t need to buy a whole new cooling system for your home to be energy-efficient. There are a few measures you can take to increase efficiency and help both your home and wallet.

Follow these steps to improve your AC’s productivity.

Regularly Change Your Filters

Image via Flickr by goldberg

HVAC maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive or complex.

With one simple step each month, you can enjoy cleaner air and make sure your HVAC system lasts for years to come. Set a reminder on your phone to change your air filter every month. This process only takes a few seconds and can significantly increase the amount of dust and dirt that your system filters.

Along with regularly changing your filter, make sure you are choosing the best air filter for your needs. Allergy sufferers may want to select a higher filtration level to collect more dust. This decision is especially important if they also have pets or relatives with weakened immune systems living in the home.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Along with your monthly checks, you can extend the life of your HVAC system and enhance its efficiency by scheduling seasonal maintenance.

Having someone come out during the spring to inspect your system can ready your air conditioner for the summer, and another check in the fall can prepare your heat for the winter.

These regular maintenance checks can also help your HVAC provider catch any problems early on so that you can repair your system before a major break occurs.

Invest in the Right Size System 

You can use your air conditioning and upgrade your system without harming the environment. The key is to opt for the best system your home requires. Too often, homeowners pick a smaller system, thinking it will be more energy-efficient. As a result, the system runs more because it takes longer to cool a home. Meanwhile, an overly large system will waste energy and escalate your expenses.

Confirm your home size needs before you buy an HVAC system to ensure your air is flowing at an optimal rate.

Buy a Programmable Thermostat 

Programmable thermostats (also called smart thermostats) can also help boost your HVAC efficiency.

These thermostats can keep your room at a set temperature when you are away, and they will adjust your home’s temperature (if necessary) before you come back. As a result, your home can stay warm during the day and then cool down 30 minutes before you get home from work.

This is a great way to maintain control of the temperature in your home without racking up a higher electric bill every month.

Many HVAC systems respond to programmable thermostats, so you don’t have to worry about an elaborate installation or a big change for your system.

If you’re not happy with your electric bill and think your system needs an update, take these small steps first. A few minor fixes can improve your HVAC efficiency, thus keeping you cool without squandering energy.


Photo credits

hot robots by Joe Goldberg is licensed under CC2.0

Jeff Campbell