Most homeowners rely on heating and cooling systems that consume electricity or burn fuel. That energy consumption is often substantial during frigid winter and sweltering summer months. HVAC equipment is the top contributor to the average American household’s carbon footprint. It also results in big monthly bills that can put a dent in your budget. Let’s explore eight tips to reduce your carbon footprint and spend less on heating and cooling.
1. Schedule Seasonal Tune-Ups
There are many reasons to schedule a cooling tune-up in the spring and a heating tune-up in the fall. Many HVAC warranties require it. Tune-ups also help to avoid expensive emergency breakdowns and extend the life of your equipment. They also improve efficiency.
Consider a traditional furnace and air conditioner setup that many homes have. The industry rates furnaces based on how much fuel they successfully convert into heat. A typical furnace is around 80% efficient when running optimally. Dirt and carbon build up on the combustion equipment and can drop that efficiency by as much as 10% or more. On the other hand, air conditioners use a condenser and evaporator coils to cool your home. These coils get dirty over time, causing your central air conditioner to be less efficient and the system to consume more electricity.
2. Replace or Clean Your HVAC Filters Regularly
Central systems have at least one supply vent that requires an HVAC filter. The filter protects your systems from debris and plays a significant role in maintaining indoor air quality. The industry measures filter effectiveness using the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the MERV, the better the filtration but the greater the airflow restriction. Modern systems are typically compatible with filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13. Determine what the upper limit is for your setup, and don’t go beyond it.
HVAC filters restrict airflow as they become saturated over time. Clogged filters force your system to work harder and use more energy. Experts recommend that you change your HVAC filter at least every three months. However, many homeowners check their filters once a month to ensure they know when they need to be replaced.
3. Dial in an Efficient Temperature for Your Home
The Department of Energy (DOE) caused a stir when it first recommended Americans keep their homes at 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. That may be too hot for some, but be mindful of how much you can save. Every degree you adjust your thermostat up will lower your cooling bill by about 3%.
The safe threshold in winter is 64 degrees for healthy adults. If you have young children or older adults in the home, the recommended threshold is 68. Dress warm, and increase your temperature from these levels by one degree at a time until you’re comfortable. Keep in mind that each degree you add will increase your heating bill by about 3%.
4. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans help you to be more comfortable at a higher temperature in summer. They also help you to be more comfortable at a lower temperature in winter. The difference can often be as much as 3 degrees. That’s why HVAC experts recommend having ceiling fans in every room where they’re practical. It’s also important to have the right settings for the season. In summer, you should set your fans to their highest speed and to rotate counterclockwise. In winter, you should set the fans to their lowest speed and in a clockwise rotation.
5. Program Temperature Changes With a Smart Thermostat
If you don’t yet have one, you should upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Smart or Wi-Fi thermostats can connect to the internet and often have other advanced features. The DOE estimates that the average homeowner can save up to 10% a year by programming their thermostat. To do this, the government agency recommends adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for at least 8 hours a day. The best times for this are when your family is sleeping and away at work and school.
Programming may be less convenient if your family’s schedule changes often. In that case, a smart thermostat with geofencing may be a good choice for your household. A geofence is an invisible perimeter around your property. The system will track you and other family members through the GPS on your smartphone. When a family member is home, it will keep the house at a comfortable temperature. When everyone is away, the system will use an energy-saving setting instead.
6. Schedule Regular Duct Inspections
If you have a central HVAC system, your ductwork may be a significant contributor to energy losses. The DOE estimates that the average homeowner loses between 20% and 40% of their heating and cooling through their ducts. HVAC experts recommend scheduling a camera inspection of your ducts at least every two years. During the inspection, professionals can identify gaps and other faults in your ductwork. If you are experiencing air leakage, they can fix it through a combination of duct repairs and duct sealing.
7. Install Humidity Control
You can also save energy by maintaining optimal relative humidity. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends somewhere between 30% and 50%. If you can’t keep RH at 50% or below with your air conditioner alone in the summer, adding a dehumidifier is the solution. Alternatively, a humidifier will add more moisture to your home’s air in winter when dry conditions become a concern. An optimal RH can let you increase your thermostat setting in summer and lower it in winter by as much as 3 degrees without sacrificing comfort. A dehumidifier also helps save energy in summer because your air conditioner can operate more efficiently. It’s also helpful to deal with mold issues associated with moist conditions. On the other hand, a humidifier combats dry air in the winter, which can lead to dry skin and respiratory problems.
8. Upgrade Your HVAC System With Zoning
Another way that many households waste energy is by unnecessarily cooling and heating areas of their home. Consider how much energy you can waste cooling the downstairs when everyone’s upstairs sleeping. Traditional HVAC systems have just a single zone, which is the entire home. You can upgrade your system with motorized duct dampers or smart vents. This modification allows you to organize your home into different zones. You can then adjust the temperature in those areas independently. Updating to a zoned system can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Local HVAC Pros
At Northern Air Plumbing & Heating, we have served the residents of Aitkin, MN and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems, including ductless systems. Additionally, we are expert plumbers who offer services like drain cleaning, leak detection, and repiping. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members to inspect your air conditioning system.
Tags: hvac maintenance, HVAC Tips