How to make your HVAC unit most useful to you
Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency’s statistics show that air conditioning makes up 5 percent of total energy used in the U.S.? That is an enormous energy demand for air conditioning alone and it doesn’t include heating in winter.
We use a tremendous amount of energy to stay comfy inside our homes and as such, it is very important to understand how to gain the most efficiency from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This of course reduces your monthly energy bills but it also cuts down on more harmful emissions spewing into the air. In fact, an efficiently operating HVAC system can lower energy consumption by 20 percent or more. Let’s look at some ways to keep things running at optimal levels.
Balancing act
Experts agree that air balancing is the single most important step to take to ensure a heating and cooling system operates efficiently. A balanced air environment improves air circulation and boosts the system’s overall performance in delivering the ideal level of hot or cold air to every room in your home.
Struggling with hot or cold spots in particular locations throughout the house? Try these handy tips:
- Adjust registers—Simple but effective, subtle adjustments of register blades works wonders. In warm months, open upper floor registers and partially close those on the first floor and basement. Reverse the process in cold temperatures.
- Try a 2-degree offset—In a two-story home, set the upstairs temp to, say, 74 and downstairs at 72. This helps reach even temps throughout.
- Install window coverings—Window coverings such and drapes, blinds, or shades make a big difference in overall comfort and temperature efficiency.
- Adjust ceiling fans—Ceiling fans make a huge difference in air circulation. Be sure your fans travel counterclockwise in warmer months and clockwise in winter for best air distribution.
Humidity measures
Humidity can have a dramatic effect on indoor air and balancing humidity levels helps mitigate damage to window frames, door frames, and other surfaces, as well as reducing the risk of lung irritation. Keep humidity in check with these tips:
- Use humidifiers and dehumidifiers, depending on your needs and geographic location
- Check seals around windows and doors to keep out moisture-soaked air
- Run a ventilator in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and keep air fresh
Clean those filters
Arguably the most important step in HVAC maintenance rests with the filters. Simply cleaning or replacing a dirty filter boosts efficiency up to 15 percent or more. A filter clogged with dirt won’t let air flow and makes the system work that much harder. Air that does get through is usually laced with particles that are harmful to breathe. Follow manufacturer instructions for intervals of filter replacement.
You also should consider getting your system checked twice a year. Once in the Fall and again in the Spring. These maintenance tune-ups check several aspects of the equipment to make sure everything is operating as efficiently as possible. Call Roland Air today for a complete HVAC system maintenance checkup.