Earth Day — April 22nd — serves as a reminder for us to make our homes as energy efficient as possible to help preserve the planet. The HVAC system is an excellent starting point because it accounts for nearly half of your home’s energy use. Take the steps below to make your system use energy more efficiently on Earth Day and beyond.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
With a programmable thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature remotely and precisely according to your schedule. This customization facilitates more efficient HVAC operation.
Replace Your Air Filters
Air filters trap dust and dirt before they enter your HVAC system. When they clog, they make your system work harder, waste electricity, and pollute the environment. Replace dirty filters to maintain HVAC energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Upgrade Your Old System
Is your HVAC system 10 years or older? It’s time to replace it. Old systems are notorious for failing to operate as efficiently as they should be. New HVAC models have significantly higher energy efficiency ratings than the units manufactured a decade ago. By replacing your old system with a newer model, you’ll reduce your energy bills as well as your carbon footprint.
Keep Plants Trimmed Back
Shrubs, bushes, and foliage surrounding your outside HVAC unit can obstruct airflow and downgrade’s your unit’s efficiency. Be sure to trim them to 18 inches or more of clearance around the unit.
Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance
Have a qualified HVAC technician check your heating and air conditioning system. He or she will identify potential problems before they become costly repairs and make the necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency.
Celebrate Earth Day with the tips above to save energy and money as well as reduce your impact on the environment. For more useful tips on maximizing energy efficiency, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We’ve provided quality HVAC installation and maintenance services to homeowners in the Dayton area for more than 40 years, and we’ll walk you through the steps to take when you’re looking to upgrade to a new HVAC system.
