The US Department of Energy reports that over half of your utility expenses come from heating and cooling costs associated with HVAC use. Considering this figure, remaining aware of your utility bills and tracking any increases or decreases is crucial. If your monthly expenses rise, you might wonder how to improve HVAC efficiency so you can keep this monthly figure more consistent.
Fortunately, many simple methods can improve the efficiency of your AC units and heating system. One of the best ways to increase the efficiency of your HVAC units is to call heating and air conditioning experts in Port Saint Lucie, FL. Experienced HVAC technicians have the skills and experience to identify whether inefficiencies result from problems with the system or misuse.
The Top Nine Ways to Improve HVAC Efficiency
The following nine suggestions are some of our favorite low or no-cost ways to improve your HVAC unit’s efficiency year-round.
Change Thermostat Settings Based on Season
One of the simplest ways to ensure your system operates at optimal levels is to adjust thermostat settings based on seasonal temperatures. Use outdoor temperatures to your advantage by turning up your thermostat a few degrees in the summer and down a few in the winter. Adhering more closely to the outdoor temperature lightens your unit’s cooling or heating load and improves efficiency.
If you have a split system, you might also be able to adjust the temperature in only certain rooms. While you might want to keep temperatures low in bedrooms, turning the heat in common areas can significantly improve your HVAC efficiency.
Keep Heat Producing Appliances Away from Thermostat
Thermostats are sensitive devices, so it’s crucial to keep heat-producing appliances away from the thermostat.
When thermostats sense extra heat, they work harder to compensate for the difference. As a result, keeping a heat-producing appliance of any size near the thermostat could cause it to work harder than necessary. Avoid placing hair dryers, irons, boiling pots, and similar devices near the thermostat.
Use Curtains and Blinds to Your Advantage
Especially during hotter summer months, it’s essential to utilize curtains and blinds in your home to assist your HVAC unit’s cooling function. While trying to reach your desired temperature, shielding additional sunlight from entering your home can significantly lighten the load on your machine. You can also implement or use an existing ceiling fan to help circulate air more efficiently throughout the space.
Ensure Your Drain Line Remains Clean and Efficient
The processes involved in cooling your home often excrete liquid runoff through your system’s drain line. While drain lines can function for weeks or even months without an issue, they will often become clogged or backed up. These blockages can inhibit the efficiency of your HVAC system.
To reduce inefficiencies in your system, locate and clean your drain line in the outdoor part of your HVAC unit. Most drain lines will be accessible and easy to clean so that you can accomplish this task independently.
Hire Professionals To Inspect Ductwork and Seal Leaks
The ductwork system of your HVAC unit usually runs through the attic or infrastructure of your home. These tubes distribute air from the condenser unit to your home’s vented rooms.
Sometimes, tiny holes or leaks in the ductwork let out small amounts of air, decreasing efficiency. Since not every part of your system’s ductwork will be easily accessible, hiring a professional to inspect these tubes is critical to improving system efficiency.
Limit Use of Heat Producing Appliances like Ovens and Dryers
Beyond more complicated solutions like inspecting ductwork, there are more straightforward methods to use when learning how to improve HVAC efficiency. One of the easiest is to limit your use of significant heat-producing appliances like ovens and dryers. Using these larger devices can emit significant amounts of heat that increase your home’s temperature and the cooling load of your HVAC system.
Check That the Area Around Your Condenser Unit Is Clear of Obstructions
The condenser unit, usually outside your home, is responsible for bringing in air from outside and cooling it. Newly cooled air distributes throughout your home from the condenser unit and through ductwork.
Drawing in outdoor air is one of the main ways your HVAC system provides cool air. As a result, obstructions like trees, branches, foliage, or trash that blocks the condenser unit can significantly decrease your unit’s efficiency. Inspect your condenser unit’s area and remove all obstructions or potential blockages.
Clean and Clear Area Around Indoor Vents
Your air vents allow air to flow freely and quickly throughout your home. Similar to the obstructive potential of objects around your condenser unit, furniture, clothing, and other items placed near or on top of vents will hurt your system’s efficiency.
If an obstruction prevents your vent from distributing air freely or into an open space, the temperature may not reach your desired level. Additionally, blocked vents could force your system to work harder than necessary.
Another efficiency hack for air vents is cleaning them of dust and replacing the filter regularly. While this may not seem like a significant blockage, dust built-up over time can seriously degrade your vents’ air distribution. Ensure both your vents and the area surrounding them are clean and clear.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance with an HVAC Professional
One of the best ways to improve HVAC efficiency is to schedule preventative, regular maintenance with an HVAC professional. Services from companies like Hawk Air & Mechanical provide diagnosis and treatment for crucial HVAC issues while preventing further problems. Call today to schedule reliable maintenance to decrease your utility expenses.
How to Improve HVAC Efficiency with Hawk Air & Mechanical LLC
For more information on how to improve HVAC efficiency or common problems with heat pumps, contact Hawk Air & Mechanical LLC. Our expert technicians have the tools and experience necessary to guide you through the process of installation, repair, and replacement.
Call (772) 773-1667 to learn about our services, request a free rate, or schedule your maintenance service today!