4 Tips That Help Your HVAC Operate More Efficiently

If you tolerate being warmer than you like in the summer so you won't drive up your power bill, look into ways to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC unit. Even if your HVAC is old, you may be able to keep your home a little cooler without spiking the electric bill. Here are some tips that might help.

1. Install A Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is even more advanced than a programmable thermostat. At the very least, your thermostat should be programmable so you can keep your home warmer when you're at work during the day and then cool it off by the time you get home. You can program a smart thermostat too, but the handy thing about a smart thermostat is that it can operate independently.

The thermostat might use motion detectors to determine no one is home and adjust the temperature accordingly. It can also use geofencing to adjust the temperature when you're out of range and when you draw near your house. Another handy benefit of a smart thermostat is that it monitors your energy use so you can find ways to cut corners and lower your power bill.

2. Have An Energy Audit

Your power company may offer free energy audits. The audit may not be as comprehensive as an audit you pay for, but you may still get tips on things you can do to your house to save energy and lower your bill. A good way to tell how well your home conserves energy is to have an inspection with a thermal camera. The camera shows areas of your home with air leaks so you know exactly where you need to add insulation or plug cracks to make your home more energy-efficient.

3. Have Regular HVAC Maintenance

An HVAC that's clean and in good repair runs more efficiently than one that's coated with dust inside or that has worn parts. It's important to have maintenance done on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer of your equipment.

Regular maintenance may be a requirement for your warranty, and the maintenance not only helps your AC run more efficiently in the summer, the maintenance also helps your HVAC equipment last longer so you can avoid unnecessary repairs or an early replacement.

4. Change The Filter On Time

The HVAC filter may need to be changed as often as once a month. A clean filter is needed to keep the inside of the air handler free from dust. It's easy to forget about changing the filter, but if you wait too long between changes, dust can clog the blower or coat the coils in your air handler and cause the AC to ice over or shut down.

If you have a hard time remembering to change your filter, subscribe to a reminder service or have a new filter mailed to your home monthly so you won't forget when it's time for a change.

For further tips, reach out to a local HVAC contractor.