Heating and air conditioning is the biggest energy user in most homes, accounting for more than 40 percent of a home's energy bills, so it is important to make sure your system is operating as efficiently as possible.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, investing in a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system could save you money in the long run:
Does your system run a lot to maintain your set temperature?
Are you paying more than you think you should for your gas or power bill?
Is your heating and air system more than 10 years old or not keeping you comfortable?
Are you facing an expensive major repair to your out-of-warranty system?
However, the inefficiency of your heating and cooling system could be due to other factors. Before you invest thousands of dollars in replacing your HVAC equipment, check your home for issues that could be a lot less expensive to fix.
Drafty House
The average home loses up to 30 percent of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks. Check for air leaks around your windows, doors, electrical outlets, chimneys, light switches, ceiling fixtures, bath & dryer exhaust vents, etc. and seal them as soon as possible.
Insulation
If air is escaping your home through your attic, your heating and air conditioning system has to work longer to compensate for the energy loss. Installing additional or higher quality attic insulation will help in keeping the air in the home, bringing down your utility bills.
Ductwork
Leaking ducts are responsible for a significant part of heating and cooling costs. The flexible ducts can be torn or joints may separate over time. If your ducts are located in an unconditioned space, such as the attic, crawl, or basement, leaks can be a very serious problem that you should fix quickly.
Are you using your HVAC properly?
In order to keep your heating and air conditioning system running efficiently, it is important that you understand how to properly use and maintain it.
Programmable thermostats help reduce the amount of wasted energy used to heat or cool a home. Ideal for those who are away from home for a set amount of time, programmable thermostats allow for your home’s temperature to change throughout the day based on a pre-programmed schedule. Those who use programmable thermostats see an average savings of $180 a year in energy costs.
Air filters should be checked on a monthly basis to ensure the optimal performance of your home’s heating and cooling systems. If left unchanged, a dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder – resulting in higher energy costs. A dirty filter can also cause dust and dirt to build up in your home’s central air system, which can lead to expensive repairs or even system failure.
Routine maintenance will ensure your heating and air conditioning system's peak performance, efficiency, and longevity. The manufacturer recommends that maintenance be performed at least once per year. Invest in an annual Maintenance Agreement to receive additional benefits.
The professionals of Helms Heating & Air Conditioning are here to answer your questions about your system's efficiency, perform routine maintenance on your heating and cooling system, and provide free in-home estimates to replace inefficient equipment.