Efficiency is the measure of how much heating or cooling capacity your HVAC unit produces in relation to its size and cost. In other words, how much energy does your HVAC unit use compared to other systems that serve the same function?If your HVAC system isn’t as efficient as it should be, it will cost you more in the long run. The good news is that you can easily improve the efficiency of your HVAC system with a few simple tips and tricks. Efficiency also has to do with the way your HVAC system is set up. For example, putting a window AC unit in a window that’s open most of the day isn’t ideal because it’s not operating at its full capacity. Likewise, a central air conditioner that’s installed in an un-conditioned space such as a garage or sunroom won’t be as efficient as one that has been placed in a conditioned space out of direct sunlight. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll focus on improving the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Here’s how you can do that:
Schedule maintenance
Maintaining your HVAC system is one of the most important things you can do to increase its efficiency. The more you use your HVAC system, the more wear and tear it will incur. This will cause it to break down faster and need more repairs. When you skip maintenance, your unit is likely to run less efficiently. This means you’ll have to use it more often and operate at higher temperatures to keep your house or office at a steady temperature. This can lead to increased energy costs.To keep your HVAC system running smoothly, it’s a good idea to have a professional come out to inspect it once a year. They can also perform a few simple maintenance tasks such as changing the filters and cleaning out your cooling and heating coils. If you can, try to do this yourself if you have the time. However, if you live in a high-rise building or an apartment complex, it may not be possible to access the HVAC unit without a ladder.
Change your thermostat
Aside from scheduling maintenance, another important factor in increasing your HVAC unit’s efficiency is by changing the settings on your thermostat. A programmable thermostat can be set to run your HVAC system for a set amount of time each day/night. This means you won’t have to use the system as much, which means it will be running more efficiently.A programmable thermostat can also be programmed to kick in when the temperature in your home or office reaches a certain point. This means you’ll be able to save energy by running your system only when it’s needed. Another thing to consider is installing a smart thermostat. These can be controlled remotely, so you can turn your HVAC system on and off from your phone. This can also help you reduce your energy bill by about 10%.
Change your air filter
One of the easiest ways to improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit is by changing your air filter. The filter is what traps dust and other contaminants in the air as it passes through the HVAC system. When your filter gets dirty, it reduces the amount of air that your HVAC unit is able to move through the system. This means your unit will have to run at a higher temperature to maintain the same amount of airflow.If you have an air filter indicator, it will let you know when it’s time to change it. However, if you’re not sure when your filter needs to be replaced, an inexpensive air filter cleaning tool can be used to check how dirty it is. This way, you can go a few weeks longer before replacing it. However, it’s important to note that this is only a general rule. You should always change your filter before the specified number of days.
Rotate your air conditioner and furnace
Another simple way to improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit is to rotate your system. This means you change the direction in which your system is blowing air so that it flows from the south to the north (or vice versa). It’s important to note that this doesn’t apply to heat pumps. When your system is rotating, it’s actually moving the heat source from one side of your house to the other. This means that the air blowing in your home will be cooler on the side that the heat source is coming from. This can help you lower your energy bill by about 3%. If you’re in the process of installing a new HVAC unit, make sure you rotate your system to make sure it’s set up correctly.
Change your air ducts
Lastly, another simple way to improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit is by changing your air ducts. If your ducts are made out of materials like cloth, they are likely to trap indoor air against the wall. This means your system will be working harder to move air through your house. You can avoid this by installing new ducts. You can also seal any ducts that aren’t fully insulated. These measures can help you to reduce the amount of energy your HVAC system needs to run.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Some of these are simple and easy to implement, while others require a bit more effort and planning. However, any of these tips can help you reduce your energy bill by about 10%.