Most homes have a heating and cooling system, but is your HVAC system energy efficient? Here are five simple and inexpensive tips that will help increase the efficiency of your homes’ heating and cooling.
Invest in Some Fans
A portable fan or plug-in fan isn’t very expensive. In the summer, when heat collects in a room, fans help move the hot air out. This means that your AC doesn’t have to use more energy to cool the room. In the winter, use the same logic to move air warmed by your heating system around the house. If you get a ceiling fan, remember that it must move counterclockwise when switched on to create a cool draft that moves downward. In the winter, reverse the direction of the fan blades. This will redistribute warm air that has accumulated near the ceiling.
Use Solar Energy when You Can
Take the pressure off your HVAC by opening the windows on cold but bright winter days. In the summer, keep the blinds down and windows shut to keep the sun out.
Start Changing Your Thermostat by Degrees
Is your thermostat set to one number all year round? It might be time to push yourself out of your comfort zone. In the summer, set it a notch higher and go one notch lower in the winter. Keep doing this in degrees. As your body adjusts to a new temperature in the home, your utility bills will reflect the difference.
Clean or Switch out Your Filter Once a Month
This increases the efficiency of the unit and improves the air quality in your home. If you find that your filter collects a lot of dust, pet hair, or other allergens, consider switching to a filter with a higher MERV rating. Filters with high MERV ratings are better equipped to trap and filter small particles in the air.
Schedule Check-Ups
The best time to do this is in the spring before you need to switch on your AC and in the fall before you use your heating. This way, you’ll be able to address any issues during milder weather. Regular tune-ups may cost you upfront, but they’ll increase the life of your HVAC unit.
