How to Reduce HVAC Running Costs
5% of all energy in the US goes to residential air conditioning. It adds up to a cost of $11 billion.
A figure like that leaves most Americans sweating. 75% are concerned about their ability to pay for their utilities, and 25% got a second job to cover it.
Read on to learn how to reduce your HVAC costs.
Get an Energy Audit
An energy audit, also known as a thermographic inspection, helps determine what may be increasing your energy costs. It can tell you where heat escapes in the winter and where cool air escapes during the summer.
The best time to get one depends on your location. Get them in the winter if you’re from the northern part of the US and the summer if you’re from the South.
Improve Your Insulation and Sealing
Once you know where heat is escaping from, seal it up. Cover any gaps in the doors or windows and fix any failing weather stripping on your doors or sealing on your windows.
Add more insulation to areas that aren’t fully covered. These typically include:
- Garages
- Attics
- Basements
- HVAC ducts
- Recessed lighting
Program Your Thermostat
In general, the optimal thermostat setting is 78° for summer when you’re at home and then back up to the temperature outside when you’re away. The ideal temperature for winter is 70-80° while you’re at home and 68° while you’re away.
Any changes should be subtle and infrequent to keep them from making your system less efficient. Use your owner’s manual or contact an HVAC professional to get the best temperature for your system.
A programmable thermostat reduces your HVAC costs by increasing or decreasing your home’s temperature on a set schedule. 33 million homes have a smart thermostat that lets them make changes from anywhere.
Perform HVAC Maintenance
Cleaning and replacing HVAC filters can reduce your AC’s energy consumption by 5-15% It is a surefire way to improve the efficiency, airflow, and lifespan of the system. How often you need to do it differs, but there are several signs it may be time. In addition to high utility bills, you may notice poor air quality or slow cooling.
Dirty or leaky ducts don’t get clogged as quickly as filters, but they’re still a problem that restricts airflow. Aluminum air duct tape can cover small holes, but larger ones may require professional AC service.
Keep anything in your home that could block airflow away from the vents, including furniture, drapes, and rugs. Turn the system off then vacuum and clear dirt around them. Use a rag to clean narrow slots., then dry them off.
Get Professional HVAC Service
Only 42% of homeowners call a professional for routine HVAC maintenance. It’ll help their unit last 40% longer.
Regular AC repair does more than help your unit run better. It also increases its lifespan and prevents the need for an expensive replacement.
An HVAC system that’s 10 years old or more may be due for an upgrade. Getting a new, more energy-efficient unit will drastically reduce your bills.
Get Help with HVAC Costs
HVAC costs are a major part of already massive utility bills. Ways to lower them include sealing up any air leaks, carefully programming your thermostat, and regularly maintaining your system.
The most effective method is to get professional service to keep your unit running at its best. Contact us at Enhanced Heating and Air Conditioning today.