Heating and cooling use so much energy that they account for the largest portion of American households’ energy bills. And they’re essential—for your safety, you can’t do without, especially when it comes to heating in our climate. But wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to spend so much every time a utility bill comes due? We’ve got some helpful HVAC efficiency pointers for you. If you’d like more efficiency tips, have specific questions, need to schedule that maintenance, or just want to talk to an expert in all things HVAC in Janesville, WI, we’d love to hear from you.
1: Don’t Neglect Maintenance
Your air conditioner and heating system will both run more efficiently if you get professional maintenance done on each system once a year. This will reduce friction and wear and improve air circulation. Without any maintenance, systems like these can drop in efficiency by about 5% every year.
2: Change Air Filters
Both AC units and furnaces use air filters to trap particles that would otherwise end up inside the system, contributing to friction and wear and tear. But if the filter gets too caked with dust, the system will have to work much harder just to pull the necessary air through. The filter should be changed monthly during high-use times, and every few months when you’re not heating or cooling much.
3: Think of Your Ducts
It’s a dreadful statistic: because ducts are so often forgotten, they are on average so worn and damaged that 30% of heated and cooled air is lost through cracks and holes. How much are your ducts leaking? Find out with duct testing, so that you’ll know what needs repair. Your utility bills could drop dramatically just by taking this one step.
4: Know How to Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans have little switches that can change the direction of their rotation, but people don’t always know which way is best. We’ve got the answer for you! In summer, set your fan to rotate counterclockwise, to provide the best breeze. In winter, set your fan clockwise, to keep heated air moving so it will keep you warm, not just rise to your ceiling and stay there.
5: Seal Drafts
When your heating or cooling system is on, you want to keep your indoor air in and the outdoor weather out. There are many options for closing up cracks and drafts, including caulk, rope caulk, and adhesive foam strips. And don’t forget gaps under doors! A weatherproof door-bottom strip or even a simple sand-filled door snake can make a huge difference.
6: Pay Attention to the Sun
In summer, when the sun is directly hitting a window, you’ll want to keep the shade or curtains closed. But the opposite is true in winter when direct sun on the glass will give you a major heating benefit from the greenhouse effect. Notice where the sun moves throughout the day and take advantage of it as best you can.
You can always count on 24-Hour Home Comfort Services, your heating and cooling specialists.