Did you know that in 2022 the price of electricity across the United States went up roughly 14%? With utility costs being subject to sudden shifts and increases, many homeowners are looking for ways to be more energy efficient. One of the best ways to achieve that goal in custom or older homes is by helping core appliances, like an HVAC system, use less energy.
While this might seem like a challenging problem to solve, there are proven ways to help your HVAC system be more energy efficient. Join the experts at The Unico System as we share five energy- saving tips for HVAC systems.
1. Use Fans to Help Circulate Air
In the summer, warm air rises and can get caught in a room. And in the winter, hot air often collects in the attic and near the upper floor ceilings, where no one is able to enjoy the comfort it should provide. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, using a fan to circulate air in your home will help move warm air throughout the space. This process helps create a more even temperature, which means your HVAC system doesn’t need to work as hard.
2. Be Sure to Change Your Air Filters
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regularly changing the filter is one of the most important energy-saving tips for HVAC systems. In fact, replacing a dirty filter that is clogged with debris can make your unit 5% to 15% more energy efficient. Why is this the case? As dust, pet hair, pollen and other particles get caught in the filter, there comes a point where air can’t travel through it as effectively.
HVAC system filters should be checked at least once a month and replaced around every six months. You’ll also want to clean vents to prevent any accumulated dust finding its way to the filter.
3. Double Check Your Windows and Doors
Other than making sure your windows and doors are closed when your HVAC system is running, it’s important these access points have tight seals. Perform a quick test by running your hand through the seams of a door or window. If you feel any significant rushes of air coming through, it’s a sign that a tighter seal is needed. If air is leaking outside of the conditioned space, your HVAC unit needs to stay on longer to make up the
difference.
4. Add Insulation to Your Attic, Basement and Crawl Space
The process of checking your home for drafts should also include the attic, basement and crawl space. Take a look at the current insulation and see if there are any gaps that need to be sealed with additional material. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that you can save roughly 15% of your HVAC energy costs by adding insulation to these core areas. Some common trouble areas usually include the rim joists in the basement and where support beams meet in the attic.
5. Keep Up with Routine HVAC Maintenance
All the energy-saving tips for HVAC systems we outlined above won’t be as effective without regular maintenance. Almost every HVAC system comes with instructions from the manufacturer on the steps you can take to keep up with regular maintenance that should be done roughly every six months. Some checklist items you can expect to find are often:
• Cleaning the drain lines of the unit and removing any clogs.
• Check the drain pans and be sure to get rid of any standing water.
• Make sure your thermostat accurately controls the HVAC unit.
• Get the system’s condenser and evaporator coils cleaned.
Save on Energy Costs with The Unico System
The Unico System is engineered for simplicity and air tightness within the ductwork to help your home become more energy efficient. With ducts that are one-third the surface area of traditional ductwork, you’ll see one-third less thermal loss. In fact, testing showed that The Unico System loses less than 5% of the air it delivers to rooms.
If you want optimal comfort for your home while saving on energy bills, The Unico System is the best choice.
Find a Unico contractor near you to get started today.
