You rely on your HVAC system to remain comfortable and safe throughout the year. Heating and cooling can use a lot of energy and drive up your bills in winter and summer. Let’s explore eight strategies for using less energy and saving more money in the year ahead.
1. Schedule Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups
The most common way homeowners spend unnecessarily on HVAC is by waiting until there’s a problem to schedule a service appointment. Tune-ups increase energy efficiency and decrease operating costs. They help avoid most repairs and extend the life of HVAC equipment. Most HVAC warranties require routine maintenance as well. Often, the easiest way to get the service you need is membership in a maintenance plan. It will lower your maintenance costs and provide repair discounts, and your provider will handle the scheduling for you.
2. Seal Your Ducts
Homes with central HVAC systems often experience air leakage in their ducts. That can cause you to lose between 20% and 40% of your heated and cooled air. To avoid this, schedule a camera inspection of your ducts at least once every two years. An inspection will reveal any problems, and these can be corrected. Solutions include duct repairs, sealing, and cleaning.
3. Check Your HVAC Filter Often
All HVAC systems have at least one filter to clean the air supply. The filter keeps dust and other particles out of the equipment and helps to promote good indoor air quality. Over time, a filter will clog, which will increase air pressure in the system. That increase will cause inefficiency and higher operating costs. Check your filter at least once a month and replace it as needed. This is when you can see any dust on the surface or the filter makes a whistling sound. Be sure to get other cooling and heating maintenance from the professionals once before the coldest and hottest seasons. This keeps your system working well, extends its lifespan, and makes it more energy-efficient for cost savings month-to-month as well as in the longer term.
4. Shop ENERGY STAR
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets standards for the energy efficiency of major appliances. Products that meet these standards through testing by an independent lab get the ENERGY STAR label. The label gives you confidence you’re choosing efficient HVAC equipment. Certification is also a requirement for most energy incentives. That includes any federal tax credits and rebates through your local utility provider.
5. Invest in a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
The Department of Energy recommends programmable thermostats for all American homes. Just setting up an automatic schedule can reduce HVAC costs by 10% annually. Lower or raise the temperature several degrees while sleeping or away at work. Smart thermostats also have Wi-Fi for remote access and control. They often have other advanced features that can help you save. Notable features include energy monitoring and reporting.
6. Consider Other HVAC Upgrades
There’s ancillary HVAC equipment that can help you save over the long term. If your home has inadequate ventilation, a heat recovery ventilator is an excellent upgrade. An HRV can offset how soon you need to run your AC in summer. It can provide fresh air even when your heating or cooling system isn’t cycling. Running it in winter isn’t a problem because the HRV preheats the fresh air and reclaims heat from exhausted air. Other considerations includes a humidifier to maintain optimal relative humidity in winter and a dehumidifier to maintain it in summer.
7. Participate in Your Electric Company’s Demand Response Program
Many local electricity companies offer a demand response program. It requires a smart thermostat, and opting in gives them some control over your thermostat during peak periods. In return, you earn perks, such as a discount on your bill.
8. Use Ceiling Fans
Use ceiling fans throughout the year. In summer, set your fans to the highest speed and a counterclockwise rotation. In the winter, set them to the lowest speed and a clockwise direction. This will avoid the wind chill but help even out the heating.
Learn More About Saving Money on HVAC in O’Fallon
Swiss Air Heating & Cooling, LLC is a family-owned and -operated heating and air conditioning company that has served O’Fallon and the surrounding areas since 1989. Our team will be glad to provide you with professional HVAC advice that helps you save money. We offer a maintenance plan to help our customers save even more. Our technicians install and service furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless min-splits. We install, repair, clean, and seal ductwork. You can count on us for Wi-Fi thermostats, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and heat recovery ventilators. We also have a plumbing team that installs and services water treatment systems and tank and tankless water heaters. Call today or contact us online to schedule an appointment or ask us any questions.
