The new year is as good a time as any to take stock of your home’s efficiency needs. From system updates to routine maintenance, there are plenty of opportunities to maximize your HVAC system’s function. Here are a few essential strategies to input into your 2020 routine.
Resolutions for HVAC Efficiency
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Your air filters are your HVAC system’s protector from allergens and dander invading your home. As they capture these particles, though, they eventually affect the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning. A clogged air filter can’t allow air to pass through as easily due to the buildup of dust and allergens, which makes your HVAC system work harder to sufficiently moderate your home’s temperature.
To maximize your system’s efficiency, change your air filter every season. If you have pets, change filters even more frequently, as shedding and pet dander tend to amplify the need for air filtration in your home.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a tremendous aid in your efforts to make your HVAC system more efficient. Unlike traditional thermostats, this technology allows you to schedule your unit to run while you’re typically home and shut off while you’re away. If you work a standard 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., job, for example, you can set your HVAC system to shut off at 8:30 a.m. when you leave for work and turn back on in time to have your home at the right temperature when you get home.
Programmable Wi-Fi thermostats take efficiency a step further by collecting data on your unit’s effectiveness over time. This analysis can provide insight into weaknesses in your HVAC system’s function that you can discuss with a professional. Regardless of this added ability, programmable thermostats save homeowners an average of $180 per year on their energy bills.
3. Up Your Insulation
Despite the efficiency of your HVAC unit itself, your home cannot maintain temperature settings without the help of proper insulation. Poor insulation has your money going right out the window, as it can cost you up to 20% more on your annual heating and cooling bills. The essential parts of your home to address are your exterior walls, your basement, your attic, your doors, and your windows.
Old windows will be the most noticeable sign of poor insulation; on cold days, you can feel the warm air inside escaping. Replace windows with more efficient ones when you’re financially capable of doing so. Replacing insulation throughout your home and installing weather stripping on doors will also alleviate this issue.
4. Get Regular Tune-Ups for Your System
No matter what auxiliary steps you take to increase your HVAC system’s efficiency, the ultimate necessity for your home is regular maintenance from a licensed HVAC contractor. These professionals can do annual tune-ups that address small wear and inefficiencies in your unit to keep it running smoothly for years to come.
This step not only keeps your bills low by maximizing your HVAC system’s function, but it also extends the life of the unit. By committing to annual inspections, you offer an HVAC contractor the opportunity to diagnose problems when they are small and easily fixable rather than letting them fester. If you leave minor issues for years at a time, they eventually evolve into significant, costly repairs. This precaution saves you the time and money associated with these broader issues.
Babe and his buddy Paul always find ways to make their work as efficient as possible, like when they cleared the trees of the Dakotas to make room to shoe Babe’s hooves. With the help of Babe’s team at Blue Ox Heating & Air, we can help your HVAC system find that same effectiveness. For more information and to schedule a tune-up, give us a call today at (952) 563-3012.
