How to Improve Efficiency for Your HVAC System

Improve Efficiency for Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is the largest user of electricity in your home. Both air conditioning and heating are significant energy users, yet are crucial for maintaining a comfortable and healthy home.

Due to their high relative cost, it’s important to use these systems as efficiently as possible. Avoiding wasted energy means you’ll avoid wasting money, both on energy and wear and tear. Here are some tips to get the best efficiency from your HVAC system.

Change Your Filters

Believe it or not, your air filters are a key component in making your air conditioning and heating systems run efficiently. A clean filter allows air to flow, catches particles that pass through, and keeps your air comfortable.

A dirty air filter will hinder airflow and make your system work harder to heat or cool your home. Plus, the particles that are supposed to get caught in the filter’s fibers will just scoot around the sides and enter the air you breathe.

Change your filters every 30 to 90 days, depending on how quickly they get clogged. Keeping your filters clean will ensure your system isn’t working harder than it should, costing you more in energy and use.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a great tool for getting precise temperature readings and reducing waste from your HVAC system. A smart thermostat is different from a programmable thermostat because it takes control to the next level.

With a smart thermostat, you don’t need to constantly adjust your thermostat when you leave or when you go to bed or any time the temperature spikes. A smart thermostat will learn your habits over time and will automatically adjust when you leave for work or go out on Friday nights.

It also gives you the ability to control the temperature from your internet-connected device, so if you want to bump the temperature up while you are away, you can. This saves a lot of money on energy, as you’ll be able to fine-tune the temperature to a level where you aren’t spending on heating or cooling when you don’t need it.

Schedule Regular Tune-Ups

Annual maintenance on your AC and heating system will ensure that they last longer, work better, and have maximum efficiency. A technician performing your tune-up will ensure it is running at peak efficiency, clean your air filters, and inspect any issues that may cause trouble down the line.

Tune-ups also help efficiency by solving small problems before they get out of control. This will reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and save you money on repairs.

Prevent Air Leaks

There’s nothing more wasteful than having the warm or cool air you pay to have throughout your home lost to the outside, where it doesn’t do you any good. Air leaks are a major problem because they prevent your home from staying at a comfortable temperature, therefore requiring your AC or furnace to run longer.

While we can never remove 100 percent of air leaks, there’s a lot we can do to reduce waste. Make sure your air ducts are sealed and don’t contain any cracks or visual damage. Also, avoid placing air vents near doors and windows.

You can also improve your doors and windows by ensuring they are properly sealed. Weatherstripping and similar materials can also help to reduce unwanted air leaks. It also goes without saying that doors and windows should remain closed while running your HVAC system.

The less your unit has to run, the more money you save both on energy and wear and tear.

Helping You Maintain an Efficient Home

The Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning team is dedicated to helping you achieve the ultimate efficiency for your HVAC system. We’re with you all year long at (540) 685-4040 for all your repair and maintenance needs.