As the average price of electricity continues to rise every year, people are looking for energy savings wherever they can find them.
Unfortunately, electricity bills can be difficult to understand in the context of your life. Why is your bill going up when your spending less time at home or unplugging your devices more often?
One guaranteed way to save energy (and money) is to make sure your HVAC system is working efficiently. Read on for five energy saving tips to help you get the most out of your HVAC system.
1. Get a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, this is a great energy-saving device to add to your home. There is no need to waste energy heating or cooling your home when no one is there to experience it.
The Department of Energy recommends keeping temperatures cooler than 68° when you are asleep or away in the winter and warmer than 78º when you are asleep or away in the summer.
2. Keep up With Routine HVAC Maintenance
It may cost more up front, but in the long run, you will save energy and money by properly maintaining your HVAC system. You should have an HVAC technician check out your system and perform routine maintenance twice a year. You should also change your air filter every month, or as often as your instruction manual or HVAC technician recommends.
Regular maintenance will result in HVAC system energy saving as you can avoid costly repairs and make any small fixes that might help your system run more efficiently.
3. Set Your Thermostat to the Optimum Temperature
Did you know that most HVAC systems have an optimum temperature range? They can, of course, operate outside that range but will work more efficiently, saving energy and money, within their ideal range.
If you don’t know your HVAC system’s optimum range, check the manual or consult a professional HVAC technician.
4. Find and Seal Any Leaky Ducts
One of the main ways an HVAC system becomes less energy efficient with time is when ducts begin to leak. If you notice uneven heating and cooling throughout your home, dust collecting around your vents, or unexplained rising energy bills, your ducts might be leaking.
An HVAC professional can conduct a blower door test to check how well your ducts are sealed and where any leaks are located. They can then help repair any leaks they find.
What makes this one of the top HVAC energy-saving tips is that proving your home is more energy efficient may earn you rebates from your electricity company.
5. Know When to Replace Your HVAC Unit
If your HVAC unit is too old and no longer working properly, getting a new, more energy efficient unit installed may save you energy and money in the long run. This is another reason regular maintenance is so important.
Ready for More Energy Savings?
Whether you need a new HVAC unit or just want to make sure your current one is working right, the most effective way to earn energy savings is to work with a professional HVAC technician. Contact us today for your lowest electricity bills yet.