Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) performance probably affects your life more than you realize.
Part of the problem is that, as long as your HVAC system keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, that’s all you want from it, right? But the energy efficiency of your HVAC equipment can affect your bank account and the comfort of your home.
Inefficient heating and cooling systems burn more energy, make your equipment work harder, increase the chance of breakdowns and can mean you’ll need to replace the equipment sooner than later. And still not keep out the cold drafts in winter and hot spots in summer because it’s overworked.
How to Improve HVAC Performance
Just the energy savings alone make it worthwhile to do everything you can to keep your cooling and heating system working and peak efficiency. All the other stuff, like lower maintenance, repair and replacements costs, and better indoor air quality, are just icing on the cake.
- Replace the Air Filter Regularly – We all got a better idea of what it’s like to breathe through a mask recently. Now imagine if that mask is clogged with dust, dirt, pet dander and allergens. The single most cost-effective way to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system is to regularly replace the air filter.
- Put Your Programmable Thermostat to Work – Hey, it has the features, why not use them to save your equipment and money? In winter, under our giant comforters, it can be a little cozier (and not sweaty) if it’s a little cooler overnight. And in the summer, maybe we can get away in slightly high temps during the day.
- Check Windows and Doors – They are the single biggest source of heating and AC energy loss. Make sure they are closed properly, seal door frames and keep window covering closed as much as you can in summer.
- Upgrade Your Equipment – This is usually the last thing you want to do because of the cost. But, the amount of energy being wasted, plus the potential for unexpected repairs and maintenance, can make it less costly to upgrade your equipment than it is to keep the old unit running.
To learn more about energy-efficient HVAC equipment, check out our article “What Is An Eco Friendly Air Conditioner & Why Consider One”.
