How to Get the Biggest Bang for Your HVAC Buck

Whether you’re having a new, super-efficient, state-of-the-art HVAC system installed, or you’re just limping along with your aging, energy-wasting furnace/air conditioner, you want to get the most out of the system you can. Fortunately, there are several energy-saving tactics that will help you do just that all year long.

Develop Your Energy-Saving Strategy

The best first step toward getting the most out of your HVAC system is to have a professional energy evaluation. If you aren’t ready to do that, you can walk around your home and do your own evaluation to assess your home’s efficiency.

1. Look for air leaks. Wave a lit incense stick in front of window and door frames, power outlets and pipe, cable and electric line openings into your home from the outdoors. If the smoke wavers, you have air leaks. Seal them with caulk, weatherstripping and insulation.
2. Assess the age of your HVAC equipment. Is it more than 15 years old? Is it cooling or heating properly? If it’s old and you’re finding your home is increasingly uncomfortable, it may be time to change your HVAC system for a newer, more efficient model.
3. Have you scheduled professional maintenance for your system this year to make sure everything is running at optimum efficiency? Regular maintenance can reveal problems that may be causing you to turn the thermostat way up or down in an effort to be comfortable.
4. Do you change your air filter regularly? A dirty air filter makes your system work harder, so keep it changed according to manufacturer’s directions.
5. What shape are your ducts in? If they are old and out of sight, it could be they’ve cracked or come apart and are leaking air. If you’re capable of repairing them, do so, or else have a professional repair them.

Crafting a whole-house energy-saving strategy will ensure conditions in your home are helping your HVAC system work more efficiently.

To learn more about making your home more efficient and getting the most out of your energy dollars, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We’ve served the Dayton area since 1978.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “TBIT/Pixabay”