If the comfort level in your home is sometimes less than ideal, it may be due to efficiency issues with your HVAC system or the structure itself. Scheduling a professional energy audit to assess the overall efficiency is an effective way to identify problem areas and learn about energy upgrades that can increase your comfort and reduce your heating and cooling costs.
What Happens During a Whole-House Energy Assessment?
A energy audit professional performs an in-depth analysis of the structure and uses special diagnostics such as a blower door test to find sources of energy waste. When the assessment is finished, you’ll receive a comprehensive report on any deficiencies the auditor has found, along with specific recommendations for energy-wise improvements. These might include sealing attic leaks, boosting insulation levels or weatherizing and air sealing the exterior.
Here are some HVAC-related upgrades that can help you boost efficiency and comfort:
- Automate HVAC usage — You can schedule daily setbacks to reduce energy waste without affecting your comfort by installing a programmable thermostat. If you have a multiple-story or large home, having a zoning system installed with at least two thermostats that control duct dampers can give you precise control of your energy use in specific areas.
- Seal and insulate the ductwork — Leaky, uninsulated ducts can cost you up to 30 percent of conditioned air output from the HVAC system. To curb this waste, an HVAC professional can assess the ductwork and correct issues like disconnected or damaged sections, apply mastic to seal air leaks, then wrap the runs in R-8 insulation.
- Replace inefficient HVAC equipment — Updating older, inefficient equipment is an opportunity to invest in advanced comfort-enhancing features like a scroll compressor, thermal expansion valve and variable-speed fans.
- Get humidity under control — A problem with high humidity makes it harder to maintain your comfort, increases your energy bills and puts added strain on the HVAC equipment. Installing a whole-house dehumidifier can help keep the level within the ideal 30 to 50 percent range.
To learn how energy upgrades can increase comfort in your Dayton home, contact us today at Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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