April 2, 2014
Efficiency During The Winter
During harsh winters, you cannot switch off your heating system even for a few hours as the cold becomes unbearable.
This means that your energy bills can spiral up significantly especially if your HVAC system is not working efficiently. However, a few simple things can help you achieve heating efficiency, and your energy bills can come down considerably. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your heating system without burning a hole in your pocket.
The Importance of Seasonal Maintenance
The importance of periodic and seasonal maintenance of the HVAC system cannot be emphasized enough. A complete tune-up before the onset of the season can make a huge difference to the energy efficiency of your system, and will provide visible results as far as power bills are concerned.
Investing in a Programmable Thermostat
Another crucial step to achieving energy efficiency is investing in a programmable thermostat. The programmable thermostat gives you the freedom to set the temperature a little lower during the time when the outside temperature is reasonably high. This way, you can relieve the HVAC system of some burden, help extend the life of the system, and bring down the energy bills considerably.
Clean Air Filters
One of the most economical and easy way to achieve energy efficiency is to ensure that the air filters are clean at all times. You can ask your HVAC company about the location of the air filters and the best way to clean it. In between the periodic maintenance visits by your HVAC company, you can clean the filters regularly, especially if there is a lot of air pollution in your house. If you have pets in your house, or there are people in your house with allergies, then this step becomes even more important. Clean filters will ensure that the air circulates properly and the system works efficiently.
Clearing the Output Vents
A common and important reason behind inefficient heating is that the intake grilles or output vents may be obstructed causing the system to become inefficient. The obstructions do not allow proper air circulation, and the system has to work harder to maintain a particular temperature. So, ensure that the air vents are not blocked by drapes, furniture, or other such things. You might not have ever noticed this problem, but it might be adding up a few dollars to your energy bill.
Additional Tips
Proper insulation can go a long way in improving energy efficiency and bringing down the energy bills. Even small things such as keeping doors and windows closed can considerably reduce your energy bills in winter. Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans may be making your HVAC system work harder. By using them judiciously you can reduce your power bills and make the heating system efficient.