Going Green While Saving Green: How to Increase Energy Efficiency and Lower HVAC Costs

Today it seems like there are so many green products on the market, it may be hard to determine which environmentally-friendly products are right for you and your family. But you don’t have to be an environmentalist to see that increasing energy efficiency is both beneficial to the environment and your wallet. When it comes to your HVAC system, there are a few ways that you can increase efficiency while saving money in the long run.

How to Increase Energy Efficiency and Lower HVAC Costs

There are many simple steps that you can take right now to help increase your energy efficiency and lower HVAC costs. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making your heating and cooling unit run smoother and more efficiently while also preventing unnecessary wear and tear to your HVAC system:

1. Change your air filter regularly.

This is one of the easiest things that business and homeowners can do to improve the energy efficiency of their HVAC system. Yet so many people forget to change the air filter on a regular basis. A dirty or clogged filter slows down air flow, making your HVAC system work harder than it needs to when heating or cooling your home or office building. This wastes energy and can also lead to costly maintenance as dust and dirt builds up within the system.

2. Make sure your heating and cooling ducts are properly sealed and insulated.

Ducts move air to and from your central air conditioner or forced air furnace. When there are cracks or air leaks in your duct system, this can become a real energy waster. By sealing and insulating ducts that run through the attic, garage, and other crawl spaces, you can help cut down on energy loss. In fact, according to Energy Star, sealing and insulating your air ducts can improve HVAC energy-efficiency by as much as 20 percent.

3. Make sure that your HVAC system coils are clean.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty evaporator coil decreases airflow, which can cause an increase in compressor energy consumption by about 30 percent. That is why it is important to have your home or building’s HVAC system condenser and evaporator coils inspected and cleaned each year. Not only will this help improve efficiency, but it can help prolong the life of the unit, saving you even more money over time.

4. Get an annual HVAC tune-up from a professional technician.

All homeowners should get an HVAC tune-up once a year from a qualified HVAC technician. Studies show that effective HVAC preventative maintenance can cut energy costs by 5 to 40 percent depending on the system and equipment in your home. Not to mention regular maintenance can also extend the life of the equipment and improve its ability to keep your home comfortable throughout the year.

If you would like more information on how you can increase energy efficiency, contact the HVAC experts at Brody Pennell today. We would love to discuss all of your home comfort options with you from new energy-efficient HVAC systems to affordable upgrades.