Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the vast majority of us are now working or studying at home in a collective effort to “flatten the curve.” However, having the whole family at home all day and night means increased energy use, and higher bills. Here’s how to reduce your #StayHome “sticker shock”.
Change your air filters regularly
Blocked air filters are a common cause of HVAC energy efficiency issues. As the HVAC system is used, the air filter inside of it gets clogged with dirt, dust, and other types of debris. The dirtier the filter gets, the harder the system is forced to work to do its job. It runs longer, making it use more energy and costing you more on your utility bill. By changing the filter regularly, you can ensure that your HVAC system always has a clean air filter so it can function at its best.
Filters are your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your system from dust, dirt and ultimately damage. When the filter clogs, dust can collect on fan blades and other motor parts, slowing the unit down and wasting electricity. Changing your HVAC system’s air filters once a month, or as directed by the manufacturer, helps ensure your system has smooth, uninterrupted air flow.
Tweak your thermostat, use programmable controls
Increase HVAC energy efficiency with an automated system thermostat. These days were at home around the clock, so it’s important to observe your home, room temperatures and adjust accordingly to fit your family’s comfort levels and schedules throughout the day and night.
Forgot to turn down the thermostat when no one’s in the office? Everyone’s done it. The temperature you set your thermostat is largely a matter of personal comfort, but many systems have optimal temperature ranges that ensure they’re using energy efficiently. Consult your owner’s manual or with your service technician to find out the most energy-efficient temperature range.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to avoid fluctuating temperatures too frequently – such as turning the AC way down on a hot day – as this can make your HVAC system work harder and less efficiently.
Installing and using a programmable smart thermostats and controls help make the most of energy efficient HVAC units. These systems allow temperatures to be automated, so they can change depending on the time of day, and take some of the workload off of the HVAC system itself. A simple change of temperature during the evening hours when you’re asleep soundly under your blankets can drastically decrease the amount you spend on your utility bills.
Make use of curtains, blinds and drapes to help control temperatures
During summer months, keeping curtains or window coverings closed during the day will help block out some of the summer heat, allowing your home to maintain a cooler temperature. Alternatively, opening the curtains during winter will allow even the smallest amount of sunlight to come through and naturally warm your home, so your HVAC system works less. Simple solution!
Keep up with your routine maintenance
It may seem like common sense, but people surprisingly overlook the importance of performing regular maintenance on their unit. Be sure to keep your appointments for seasonal maintenance! You want to get your system inspected to ensure that parts or components are in good working order and everything is operating at its most efficient settings. By having regular maintenance checks, you can avoid being caught by surprise with a system failure and save money by avoiding lump- sum costs of expensive repairs. To make sure customers keep their units in tip-top shape we developed a one-year residential AC and heating system maintenance agreement so you never ever have to remember to schedule routine maintenance, at Shaw we always have your back.
Seal your home from drafts, insulate: don’t lose that valuable conditioned air
Most people think about stopping air infiltration in colder winter months, but it’s also crucial during AC season – any air leak in your home robs your HVAC system of efficiency since that heated or cooled air is lost (along with purified air that’s pollen-free). Ensure that all windows are shut and that doors have good weather seals before turning on the HVAC system. Consider adding insulation to walls and windows. Pipes, ducts, and outlets are also usual suspects for energy loss that you might not have considered. You can wrap them in insulation to save energy.
Power down electronics
Turn off electronics like exercise equipment, computers, machinery, and media systems while not in use. Not only does it save you the energy that these items are drawing, it will also generate less heat. Your AC will use less energy to cool down your space.
Watch when you run the dryer and oven
When a dryer is used, it draws warm air into the home while an oven simply creates additional heat. So, when these appliances are used during the hottest point of the day in summer, they increase the home’s temperatures. This, in turn, forces your HVAC system to work harder in cooling your home, costing you more money in the long run. To save AC energy, consider grilling your dinner in the backyard on the warmer days and opting for drying your clothing on a drying rack or clothesline.
Get proper duct sizing
The ductwork of your HVAC system runs through your entire house, helping to distribute heated and conditioned air throughout. Because of that, it is essential to ensure you choose your ductwork in the correct size. If ducting is too small, it will reduce the overall airflow and minimize your HVAC’s performance. If you feel your unit is not putting out enough air, it may be time to call in the professionals to help you evaluate your duct work to ensure quality efficiency for your home and commercial space.
Invest in energy efficient HVAC equipment
Thinking it may be time for an upgrade? Good news! You can get double or triple return on investment if you’re replacing a system that’s at least 10 years old. Newer models have higher SEER ratings, which means more HVAC energy efficiency. Today’s SEER ratings are around 14 to 18, a significant improvement over units built a decade ago. Also, look out for Energy Star rated models, which adhere to strict guidelines.
Have questions? We have answers! Call Shaw today Call Shaw today for all your heating and air conditioning needs or use the form below, because in times like these your comfort at home is key!