Across the United States, homeowners are seeking ways to maximize efficiency with their heating and cooling systems. Your HVAC system is the biggest energy hog in your home, consuming up to half of your energy used every year. Central air and heat conservation can be achieved with a few simple changes in your home.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Manual thermostats aren’t just outdated; they are a huge reason why your heating and cooling system wastes so much energy. Upgrading your thermostat to a programmable or smart thermostat drastically improves your HVAC’s energy consumption. Advanced thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures during the day while the house is empty. Depending on the season, you can adjust your thermostat up or down while you sleep, which cuts back your energy usage tremendously. Programmable thermostats allow you to program settings for when you are away, asleep, or on vacation. Upgrading your thermostat creates a more environmentally safe HVAC system in your home.
HVAC Maintenance
Another way to improve your central air and heat conservation at home is to schedule maintenance with an HVAC contractor near you. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your system is performing at its optimum efficiency and inspects the unit for future problems. A trusted HVAC contractor near you is Douglas Cooling & Heating, offering affordable maintenance plans. Our preventative maintenance is performed by the best NATE-certified technicians in the industry.
Air Filter Replacement
A standard maintenance item is changing the air filter in your system. A dirty filter decreases airflow in your system, forcing your HVAC unit to work harder than necessary and waste more energy in the process. When a filter becomes clogged, dust and other particles build up inside your HVAC system, causing mechanical failures and decreased performance. A small thing like the air filter affects the lifespan of your unit, its energy consumption, and overall performance. Clogged air filters are the leading cause of heating and cooling failures.
Seal Your Ducts
Another way to create an environmentally safe HVAC system is to have your ducts sealed by a professional. You can lose up to 30% in energy through cracks and holes in your ductwork. An HVAC contractor near you can inspect your ducts, vents, and registers for any leaks. Improving your central air and heat conservation, sealing those leaks will improve your airflow and prevent wasted energy.
Invest in a New HVAC System
If you are in the market for the best way to control your home’s energy use, considering installing a new heating and cooling system. As HVAC systems age, they lose efficiency and cost you more money on your energy bill and repairs. Just make sure, whatever system you choose, it’s correctly sized for your home. When a system is too small, it repeatedly cycles on and off, causing increased energy consumption.
New systems are far more efficient than older units but to really “go green” with a new system, install an ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling unit. An ENERGY STAR system can save you up to 50% on your energy consumption. You may even qualify for a tax credit depending on where you live. Regardless of the system you install, make sure it has a high SEER rating, EER rating, and HSPF rating for the best energy efficiency.
Create an environmentally safe HVAC system in your home with maintenance and a programmable thermostat. For the best central air and heat conservation methods, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating! We know how to lower your energy usage and save you money in the long run.
