In fact, cooling and heating activities consume a lot of energy, even approximately more than half of the energy used in our home. So, it is so reasonable if there are now many homeowners who are looking for any ideas and home appliances (especially heating and cooling appliances) that can use each Watt-energy more wisely and efficiently. And there are also many ways and ideas to get efficiently cooling and heating which not only helpful to save your money from a high utility bill but also you can contribute to save the earth, because as well we know the energy resource is so crucial issue at these days. Let’s explore more those ideas right here!
One of recommendations to result a big positive effect on our energy bill and our comfort is by applying smart and friendly decisions about our HVAC system (Heating, ventilating and air conditioning), take a few minutes to read pieces of useful information below:
Inspect the filter regularly!
We all agree that air filter has important function to filter unwanted particles. Bad performance of air filter will lead to air conditioner problem of bad output air quality which can be so inconveniently for anyone who suffers from allergies, but also cause the efficiently performance of your HVAC system (can slow down air flow)! By inspecting the filter regularly you can ensure the filter will work properly and optimally. The duration of replacement is dependent on the quality of the filter itself, but generally it’s usually around three months. A clean filter will be also helpful to minimize the maintenance cost or early system failure, because it can reduce dirt & dust from building up in the unit.
Tune up the equipments of your HVAC unit yearly!
A yearly tune up of your HVAC system will result a significant effect to its efficiency performance and your comfort. You can sign a contract with a cooling and heating contractor in your local area at least once a year to tune up your HVAC equipments. To know any components that we must tune up yearly, read maintenance checklist below!
Typical maintenance checklist:
- To make sure the system keeps you & your family comfortable while in use and saves more BTU-energy while you & your family are away, check the performance of thermostat setting!
- Then consider current, voltage and all electrical connections on motors! This is not only important to keep the efficiency performance of the system but also so important to prevent unsafe operation which so closely related to the life of major components.
- Make sure that any moving parts get adequate lubrication otherwise the system can consume higher electricity energy, so don’t miss to lubricate all moving parts.
- Always remember that a plugged drain can lead to bad effect to the indoor humidity levels and bring on water damage in your house. Therefore, check also the condensate drain in the furnace (or heat pump for cooling mode) and central air conditioner.
- Other generally issue that you must consider is about all controls of the system! This is simple procedure but also important to assure safe and proper operation.
More specific maintenance checklist for cooling:
- Check and inspect the performance of condenser & evaporator air conditioning coils! Poor performance of both can contribute the inefficiently performance of the cooling system. Dirty coils can decrease the ability of the system to cool the air that eventually can make the system consume higher energy and decrease the life of components.
- Check the level of refrigerant! Make sure the system has proper refrigerant (not too little or too much refrigerant), otherwise the system will work less efficiently and even can reduce the life of other components. In addition, adding refrigerant is difficult procedure since (like mentioned before) it must be finished with the correctly volume.
- Don’t forget to clean the blower and adjust it if necessary! This procedure is purposed to assure the proper airflow for better comfort and efficiency!
And specific maintenance checklist for heating: Inspect the performance of all oil or gas connections, heat exchanger, burner-combustion, and gas pressure!
To make sure all those maintenance procedures can be finished properly, once again it is so recommended to hire a qualified technician.
Consider to install & use programmable thermostat!
The programmable thermostat is so helpful to set how long the system can work continuously and when it will turn off automatically. Programmable thermostat is great idea for anyone who is often away from house during set periods of time along the week. In fact, this option can save your money around $179/ year in energy costs.
Seal the cooling & heating ducts!
HVAC Ducts have important function to distribute the air in your house, and by insulating and sealing ducts can improve the efficiency performance of the system up to more than 20 %! If you want to seal your ducts, prioritize ducts that work through the crawlspace, garage, attic and unheated basement. For the connections & seams of your ducts, choose metal-backed ‘foil’ or sealant ‘mastic’ tape. After sealing your ducts, then wrap them in proper insulation.
Choose and prioritize “Energy Star” qualified products!
If you want to upgrade your old HVAC system then choose and consider replacing it by a new system that has been qualified by the Energy Star (can work more efficient). This option can cut the annual utility bill by nearly $199 or more, which is dependent on the location where you live. Note; first you have to ensure that you have addressed the duct system and the main air leaks in your house before investing a new heating and cooling system, because in several cases these are the source problems of inefficiently performance instead of the heating and cooling equipments!
The other post: Indications of a faulty machine of your air conditioning!