How efficient is your home’s heating and air conditioning?
If you’ve noticed lately that your monthly energy bills have been creeping up, it might be a sign that your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is being overworked, consuming more energy to heat and cool your home than it should.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make your home’s heating and air conditioning systems consume less energy on a day-to-day basis — saving you a surprising amount of money in the process. Here are three of the easiest ways to improve HVAC energy-efficiency that everyone can do:
Regularly replace your HVAC filters
Can you remember the last time you changed out your HVAC’s air filters? If not, you’re likely well overdue for a replacement. For optimal performance and energy-efficiency, you should be changing out old, dirty filters for new, clean filters at least once every six months, and ideally once every three months. This will help your HVAC system require less energy to circulate air through your house — and it will improve your indoor air quality, as well.
Implement a control system
Did you know that the simple act of getting a programmable thermostat can help you cut your HVAC system’s energy use? It’s been proven that a programmable thermostat will save the average homeowner up to $180 each year on energy costs. Other HVAC controls include multiple heating and cooling zones and demand CO2 sensors.
Replace your furnace or indoor air conditioner
While your home’s heating and air conditioning system can last as long as 12 to 15 years with proper maintenance, replacing your HVAC system after 10 years of use can cut your energy bills by an amazing 20%. That’s because newly-manufactured HVAC systems are produced under much stricter energy regulations than older systems were. Just be sure you have your new unit installed by a qualified, experienced professional — improper HVAC installation can cause your energy use to go up by 30%!
Have any other tips and tricks for improving the energy-efficiency of HVAC systems? Feel free to share with us and your fellow readers by leaving a comment.
