HVAC systems are important year-round, whether homeowners are keeping their homes cool during the summer or warm during the winter. To keep households as comfortable as possible, and energy costs low, energy-efficient HVAC units are extremely necessary.
Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing has compiled a list of HVAC maintenance methods for homeowners to keep their homes comfortable and their HVAC units energy-efficient. If necessary, the professionals will also offer an HVAC tune-up.
How To Have A More Energy-Efficient HVAC And Save Money
For an energy-efficient HVAC unit, consider leaving most of the air vents in your home open. Air vents that are closed in over 10% of air-conditioned space create a pressure imbalance and reduce the effectiveness of the HVAC system.
Moisture-producing chores should be done when the outside temperature is cooler, as this will keep your HVAC system from working too hard. Doing chores such as washing clothes and dishes and mopping floors early in the morning or at night helps control how hard the system works. You can lessen the load the cooling system takes on by finding ways to prevent heat gain, such as covering windows on hot, sunny days.
Air Conditioners And Heat Pumps
The temperature your thermostat is set at should be based on whether you are at home or not. If you’re home, the proper setting for your thermostat is 78-80 degrees. When you’re not at home, consider having the temperature set to 85 degrees. For every degree you set your thermostat above 80 degrees, you can save roughly 2-3% on cooling costs.
To control the temperature of your home while you’re not there, consider installing a programmable thermostat. Have the thermostat increase the home’s temperature 5-10 degrees while you’re away and return to a comfortable level an hour before you return. Additionally, turning your HVAC fan to “AUTO” when the unit is not cooling saves $15-$25 a month on energy costs.
Dirty filters force equipment to work harder, which means higher energy bills. Reducing energy bills requires an HVAC tune-up: you can either clean permanent air filters once a month or replace disposable air filters. For the system to function properly, clear debris and obstructions away from outdoor air conditioning components.
When it comes to HVAC maintenance, schedule yearly services with a certified contractor to maintain your cooling system’s efficiency. When the time comes to replace your cooling system, buy a unit with a higher SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER number indicates the efficiency of heat pumps and ACs. Higher numbers indicate that you’ll be getting more cooling for your money.
To determine what level of efficiency is best for your home, ask a qualified contractor.
Having an energy-efficient HVAC unit means buying the right size cooling system for your home. A unit that is too large causes frequent cycling, inefficient operation, and higher operating costs. Setting your ceiling fan to blow down during the summer months will circulate air more efficiently than lowering the thermostat.
Evaporative Coolers
Before summer sets in, Houston HVAC tune-ups includes changing the pads on your evaporative cooler. When doing this, make sure the pads are evenly installed in the frames with no gaps around the edges.
Evaporative coolers should not be run at the same time, or during the same day, as air conditioners. The reason for this is that evaporative coolers increase humidity and ACs work to remove humidity. Before switching back over to your AC, install the baffle plate, also called a cookie sheet damper, into the unit.
Improve The Energy Efficiency Of Your Home Today
As one can see, multiple aspects go into the energy efficiency of their HVAC unit. Use the given information to determine what temperature to set your thermostat at and construct schedules that help maintain energy efficiency and low costs.
For further information, tune-ups or maintenance, contact the Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing today.
