Using dirty filters
The filters in your HVAC system should be changed every two months or as recommended by the manufacturer. When filters are clogged with dust and debris, the system has to work harder to heat or cool the home, which has a big impact on your energy spending. What’s more, dirty filters circulate dust and debris through your home, affecting air quality and worsening allergies and asthma.
Putting off professional maintenance
Having your HVAC system tuned up each year will keep it working at optimal efficiency. A professional will change the filters, perform a thorough cleaning and inspection, and make adjustments and repairs as needed.
Keeping shades drawn in winter
When the sun is shining, let the light into your home to take advantage of its warmth. This reduces the amount of work your heating system has to do to keep the home at the desired temperature. Draw the shades when the sun sets to keep heat inside.
Opening shades in summer
By the same token, avoid letting heat into your home in the form of sunlight when you’re trying to keep it cool. Support efficient AC operation by keeping blinds drawn during the day so the temperature will remain lower. This is especially important in rooms that get significant midday sun. Some homeowners even plant trees and shrubbery that provide additional shade on the hottest days.
Blocking vents
If vents are covered by furniture or other obstacles, the HVAC system is unable to heat or cool your home as it was designed to do since airflow is disrupted. Keep vents clear so your system uses less energy. Make sure they are open and free of dust and dirt.
Leaving doors open
Unoccupied rooms should be shuttered when not in use. When doors remain open, hot or cool air flows into empty rooms. When doors are closed, the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the occupied rooms at a consistent temperature. External windows should always remain closed when the system is running.
Having the wrong size unit
Your HVAC system should be sized appropriately for your home. When the unit is too small, it will have to run constantly and still won’t heat or cool the home effectively. A unit that is too large for your home’s square footage will struggle to maintain a consistent temperature and work harder than necessary to do so. An HVAC professional can recommend a system that will work with your home’s size and layout.
Using a manual thermostat
A programmable thermostat keeps your home at a consistent temperature, which reduces energy use. You can also adjust your system, so it warms or cools the home only when you’re at home to cut unnecessary costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering or raising the temperature of your home by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours of each day can reduce your utility bills by as much as 10 percent. Supplement these savings by raising or lowering the normal temperature by a degree or two while you’re at home.
Postponing needed replacement
Your older HVAC system may still technically work, but you can access substantial savings by upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient system. In some areas, you can offset the cost of a new system with a tax rebate.
If you’re still seeing high bills after making these changes, consult an HVAC professional. An experienced technician can conduct an energy audit and make recommendations for a more energy-efficient home.
About Author: Amanda Lee is the senior editor and communications specialist at King Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, a professional HVAC company in Oak Forest, IL. Besides HVAC topics, she also enjoys writing about home energy and indoor air quality as she has been working within the HVAC industry for more than ten years.
