Your HVAC system can use as much as 50% of your home’s energy consumption annually. It makes sense to improve its operation while keeping your environment comfortable. Increasing its efficiency and reducing repair costs can put more room in your budget for other projects. We’ve put together a few eco-friendly approaches to enhancing your indoor air experience.
1.Go Programmable
Replacing a traditional thermostat with a programmable one is a smart move. Programming your unit to turn off and on during certain times of the day can reduce your utility bill. It can also keep your environment more evenly heated or cooled depending upon the season. An EnergyStar smart or programmable thermostat is a good choice. The EnergyStar program has rebates tied to many of their recommended models. Check with your local utility company or installer for deals on a new thermostat.
A seven to ten-degree change in your temperature settings can reduce energy consumption. In the summertime, program your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re away and enjoy further savings.
2. Keep the Ductwork Clean and Sealed
If you’ve never had your ductwork cleaned, now is the time to schedule an appointment. With each season, dust, debris, and allergens can get trapped inside the system and cause problems. These substances then get blown into the rooms of your home and inhaled by you and your family. Annual cleaning can put a stop to dirty air and help improve indoor air quality.
Properly sealed ducts can ensure the heated or cooled air is being delivered where you want it. Leaks in ductwork can account for high energy bills. Blockages in the duct system can restrict airflow and cause your system to work hard without any benefit to you. A system inspection can provide you with a condition report.
3. Maintain Your Unit Annually
Using your HVAC system throughout the year can cause it to wear down. This is normal, but allowing it to completely breakdown isn’t. Hire a certified technician to maintain your unit annually. Certified technicians are trained to service all HVAC makes and models. They can spot worn parts, damaged components, leaks, and unsafe wiring. They will also calibrate and clean your equipment which helps improve efficiency and all but eliminate emergency repairs.
Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has skilled technicians who can maintain HVAC systems made by all the major manufacturers. Let us know you need help getting your home’s heating and cooling system ready to support you. We provide services for folks in and around Normal.
4. Schedule an Energy Audit
There’s nothing like an energy audit to help you spot energy leaks and problem areas in your home. Whole-home audits should cover the operation and efficiency of your HVAC system and thermostat. You may discover a more efficient way to program your thermostat or a better cleaning schedule for air ducts. A poorly insulated home can cause HVAC equipment to work harder and increase monthly energy costs. A full report will provide you with the information you need to make your home more efficient.
5. Utilize Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are the unsung heroes of indoor comfort. During the summer, turn on a ceiling fan in an occupied room for a windchill effect that cools the skin. The fan should be turning counterclockwise to achieve that cool feeling. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep you cool with ceiling fans in the home. Experiment with your fans to get the right mix of HVAC and fan cooling. There may be hours during the morning you won’t need to run the air conditioner.
6. Upgrade for Better Efficiency
Upgrading your equipment can support your efficiency goals for many years. Today, manufacturers are building highly efficient HVAC equipment designed to reduce energy consumption. Older systems don’t measure up to today’s lowest-rated energy-efficient models. An older system may also use dangerous refrigerants that are harmful to the environment. Newer models are designed to use more environmentally safe refrigerants.
Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted cooling and heating service provider in Normal since 1983. We’re a leading Lennox Premier Dealer and one of the top GeoComfort geothermal systems installers in the nation. We can assist you with indoor air quality solutions, fireplace services, and HVAC installations, repairs, and maintenance. Call us today to find out more about our company and how we can help with your home climate comfort needs.
