Simple Energy Audit Steps to Improve HVAC Efficiency
Over time, the energy efficiency of your HVAC system will decline, one of the first things you’ll notice is a spike in energy bills. The changes are gradual and may not be evident right away, but by the time they become evident, it is usually too late.
Review a couple of months’ worth of bills and compare the figures. If you see a consistent increase in your energy consumption, it’s a solid indication that your HVAC is not performing at its best.
WHAT IS A HOME ENERGY AUDIT?
A home energy audit is an audit of a home’s energy consumption. The audit can help uncover the causes of a home’s energy waste. The audit may also reveal some beneficial energy-saving elements of the property.
After the audit, you’ll have a new perspective on energy use that you didn’t have previously. Based on the information you have, you may then take measures to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
A trained and certified professional would most likely provide a reliable inspection and report. Only then you can take the next steps based on the energy audit results.
IMPROVE THE INSULATION
Cold air entering your house may cause the temperature to fall. Poor insulation in the attic, walls, crawlspace, or elsewhere can be the reason behind this.
For your home to get the temperature back to a more manageable level, you may need to turn up the furnace temperature. If the cold air can enter your home because of poor insulation, hot air can also escape because of this.
As a result, your furnace must work double time. The same thing also happens to your air conditioner when summer approaches. Improving the insulation may, in theory, solve the problem. Working with a professional that understands insulation and how to improve it may also help to fix the problem.
INSTALL NEW WINDOWS
Some people choose to acquire older homes with little improvements and modifications. When there appears to be nothing wrong with the original windows, keeping them is an option.
Older windows, on the other hand, may not be as energy-efficient as newer ones. Getting an upgrade by having new, energy-efficient windows that help to reduce waste. And the increased efficiency can affect the function of the HVAC system.
When the windows don’t reduce waste, your HVAC system may not perform as well. Installing new windows is an expense, but the energy bill savings is good enough to compensate for the windows over time.
REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU USE THE FURNACE OR AIR CONDITIONER
The behaviors of individuals who live in the house might sometimes be the most significant source of energy waste. Someone who likes high temperatures in their house may be wasting energy and overworking their air conditioner and furnace all year.
Consider what a comfortable temperature is and maintain it. Going too hot or too cold may be unnecessary. And doing so may result in some insanely high, yet entirely preventable, energy costs.
REPAIR LEAKY DUCTWORK
You might be spending a lot of energy cooling and heating your attic if your ductwork is leaking. If you see dirt and dust around your vents, or if certain rooms become colder or hotter than others, you may have leaking air ducts.
Scheduling an assessment of your duct sealing by an HVAC expert will help you determine if you are losing airflow through the ducts. The specialists will conduct pressure tests to confirm the problem, and then seal every junction and joint in your property to avoid airflow loss.
CHANGE AIR FILTERS
Many homeowners are aware that they must clean or replace their air filters on a regular basis. However, the majority of them are unaware of the filter’s importance in increasing the overall efficiency of the HVAC unit. Your air filters keep dust, dirt, and other allergens out of your indoor air. The trapped pollutants build on the filters over time. As a result, your unit will have to work more to send the clean air out.
In the long term, changing your air filters will result in improved air quality and better HVAC performance. Many experts recommend changing the air filters in an air conditioner every 90 days on average. However, if a family member suffers from allergies or if you have pets, you may need to change the filters more frequently.
CLEAN YOUR AIR DUCTS
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, you should get your air ducts cleaned every three to five years. The interval that is ideal for you will be based on the size of your home, the number of people, the number of pets, and so on.
Cleaning your air ducts is essential for maintaining excellent indoor air quality, but what does it have to do with HVAC efficiency? Well, air duct leaking may be a costly and difficult-to-detect problem, and the cleaning procedure is a good chance for a skilled HVAC expert to check and test the ducts for leaks.
KEEP UP WITH YOUR HVAC’S ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
It may appear tempting to postpone your HVAC system’s regular maintenance schedule, especially if you lead a busy life. Regular maintenance, on the other hand, can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency. A good tune-up may extend the life of your HVAC systems while saving you money on repairs and monthly electricity expenses.
Your HVAC professional will conduct critical duties such as checking the refrigerant levels, calibrating the HVAC unit, and cleaning the components during a routine maintenance visit. The technician may also give suggestions on how to maintain your HVAC system clean.
We would like to have the opportunity to help you with your HVAC systems. Call Calvey Heating & Air to learn more about our energy efficiency tips, HVAC maintenance services, or schedule an appointment.