Increase Energy Efficiency for Lower Utility Bills and Better Comfort

Considering that 50 percent of the energy used in a typical home goes toward heating and cooling, it’s no mystery why smart decision-making about HVAC issues can save homeowners ample money. Not just saving money on utility bills, this also enhances comfort and benefits the environment.

If you’re not already doing so, consider taking the following steps to improve energy efficiency in your home.

Inspect and Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

If you use a forced-air system to heat and cool your home, the combustion furnace, air conditioner or heat pump utilizes an air filter to remove airborne particulates before the air gets heated or cooled. Otherwise, this dirt and debris can accumulate in the machinery and the air distribution system, and then circulate again in conditioned household air. It’s especially important to replace a clogged or dirty air filter during months when your furnace, AC or heat pump are operating nearly continuously.

Not replacing a dirty filter will restrict the air flowing through the HVAC system, forcing the equipment to work harder and longer than necessary to satisfy the thermostat setting. It also may result in unbalanced heating and cooling, with insufficient treated air reaching some rooms. A dirty filter will result in some of that debris getting into sensitive components of your system, causing friction and inefficient operation.

Get an Annual Tune-up for Your HVAC system

Think of your HVAC system like your car. Just as regular maintenance will improve your motor vehicle’s performance and gas mileage, annual maintenance is essential if you want your furnace, AC or heat pump to operate at peak efficiency and effectiveness.

Conversely, HVAC equipment, if not properly maintained, will use more energy than necessary and may not provide the comfort you expect from it. Plus, it will be more likely to experience malfunctions and a foreshortened service life. Schedule a professional preventative maintenance visit from your favored HVAC contractor once a year for your heating system and once a year for your cooling system.

Get a Smart, Programmable Thermostat

On the cutting edge of modern technology, a smart or WiFi thermostat gives the homeowner the ability to control temperature settings in their home with a “smart” device, whether a computer, phone or tablet. They can do that from home or from a remote location. Programmability makes sure temperature changes intended to save energy and maximize efficiency are automatic and trouble-free. Your best bet is to select a smart thermostat that’s been certified by the federal Energy Star program; this guarantees that it has been approved for its efficiency and operational quality. According to Energy Star, a typical home can save around $100 annually when using an Energy Star-rated smart thermostat.

Don’t Forget Duct Sealing

Effective ducts are key to an efficiently working forced-air heating and cooling system, and air leaks can really work against that effectiveness. Ductwork needs to be tightly sealed so conditioned air doesn’t escape from holes and gaps, and dirty air doesn’t infiltrate into supply ducts. The ductwork that runs through unconditioned areas such as crawl spaces, garages and cellars should be insulated as well.

Always Choose Energy Star

When purchasing HVAC equipment and ancillary items, if you have the choice, make sure what you’re buying is Energy Star certified. This means that it has been tested and certified to pass this federal program’s minimum standards for efficiency and performance.

Home Weatherization

A home that’s not sufficiently weatherized will lose much of its heat in the winter and gain unwanted heat in the summer. This means warm air and heat energy are transferring between inside and outside, making it more difficult for your home to stay warm or cool, depending on the season.

Proper weatherization mainly involves sealing air leaks and ensuring that the right type and amount of insulation have been installed in the correct places. You can do a lot of this work yourself, though for some of it, a trained professional can be depended upon to do a more comprehensive job (especially with insulation). Another important component of effective weatherization is selecting fixtures such as windows and doors that are rated for energy efficiency.