Everyone’s trying to control home energy costs these days. Fortunately, it’s not all that hard. Simple practices and a commitment to quality equipment and service can put you well on your way to lower energy costs. For starters, follow these six efficiency tips.
- Keep the air filter clean. A dirty filter in your air conditioner, heat pump or furnace slows airflow, increasing the amount of time your system runs to reach the thermostat setting and, in turn, increasing wear on all the parts.
- Have your HVAC equipment professionally maintained once a year. Your cooling system runs every day for months on end. When an HVAC specialist maintains it, he adjusts, cleans, tightens and lubricates the parts. The service call also includes a refrigerant-level check.
- Ask your HVAC-system contractor to test your ducts for leakage. Duct leaks not only drive up energy bills, but also degrade indoor-air quality. Duct leaks should be sealed with mastic or metal tape–never duct tape.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat, especially if you’re away for hours at a time. New smart technology makes it possible to control your energy costs from any smart phone or laptop.
- Upgrade to high-efficiency equipment when your system starts to fail. Higher energy bills, frequent repairs, noisy operation and excessive indoor humidity often indicate that a system is failing. The payback for choosing a more efficient system is fast and yields many years of lower energy bills.
- Insist on proper sizing and installation when you opt for a new system. The contractor should conduct a detailed load calculation and follow industry-standard guidelines for the installation. Improper installation can raise energy costs by as much as 30 percent, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
To learn more about controlling your home energy costs, contact Senica Air Conditioning, Inc.. We’ve provided outstanding HVAC services to homeowners in the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas for more than 20 years.
