There are many things you can do to make your HVAC system more energy efficient. Some of these things are easy and inexpensive, while others require a bit of a bigger investment upfront.
Change The Air Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system is a crucial part of keeping your indoor air clean. It prevents large, airborne particles from clogging your unit and affecting your heating or cooling efficiency. However, as filters age, they become less effective and need to be replaced more frequently. Dirty air filters can make your system work harder and use more energy, resulting in higher energy bills. Replacing your filter regularly can help you reduce those costs and keep your energy bills lower year-round.
Turn Off Electronics
Leaving electronics plugged in, even when they’re not in use, can add up to a lot of energy waste. This is known as “phantom energy.” Turning off these devices when not in use can help save a lot of power. A way to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system is to install smart power strips that automatically turn off unneeded electricity. These strips work by shutting off the power to your electronics when they’re not in use or aren’t in a certain location.
Adjust The Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system is to adjust the thermostat. While this may seem like a minor thing, it can have a big impact on your home heating bills. For example, if you find that your home is too warm in the summer or too cold in the winter, changing the thermostat settings can save you a significant amount of money on your utility bill. During the winter, it is a good idea to set your thermostat at 68 degrees while you are home and asleep and lower it by about 10 degrees during the day when you are awake or away from the house. According to the Department of Energy, these simple changes can reduce your annual power bills by about 10%.
Install Zoning Controls
A zoning system includes thermostats that connect to a central control panel and dampers in the ductwork. The thermostats and dampers communicate to tell the control panel how much heating or cooling energy to provide to specific rooms. This allows owners to save up to 30% on their utility bills while still keeping every area comfortable at all times.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Having regular maintenance done on your HVAC system can help increase the efficiency of the unit. It can also reduce energy costs and prevent breakdowns that could lead to major repairs. The cost of scheduled maintenance is significantly lower than emergency repairs or replacements. It can also extend the life of your equipment and make it more environmentally friendly.