Ways to Improve HVAC Energy Efficiency
There are various ways to save money and improve energy efficiency of your HVAC system. We have put together a few tips to help you cut costs, save long-term, and stay comfortable in our southeast Georgia climate. We’ll explore practical approaches to optimize your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system performance while minimizing energy consumption.
Regular Maintenance
Regular, preventive maintenance is crucial to optimizing HVAC efficiency. Ensure you’re cleaning or replacing air filters monthly, which plays a drastic role in improving air flow and energy consumption. Regular maintenance by a professional technician helps to ward against unforeseen issues that could slowly cause strain on your system and prevent proper functioning. Air Concepts offers routine maintenance where our trained technicians will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, lubricate moving parts, verify proper system operation, and more.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats can be controlled via smartphone apps. They have the ability to learn occupancy patterns and automatically adjust temperatures to optimize efficiency as well as comfort. Smart thermostats are innovative and effective, reducing 10-15% HVAC energy consumption on average every year.
Zoning
HVAC zoning allows for your home to be divided into different “zones” that can be individually climate-controlled spaces. By only conditioning certain areas, zoning systems can significantly reduce energy waste. This targeted approach is particularly valuable in homes with multiple stories, rooms that get more sunlight, or spaces that are used differently throughout the day.
Proper Insulation
Recovery Ventilation
Special ventilation systems called heat and energy recovery ventilators work like a two-way filter for your home’s air: as stale air goes out, they capture its heating or cooling energy and use it to treat fresh air coming in. This means you get fresh, clean air without wasting the energy you’ve already paid for to heat or cool your home. These systems can save up to 80% of the energy that would normally be lost when fresh air enters your home, helping you save money while keeping your indoor air healthy.
High-Efficiency Equipment
When it comes time to replace HVAC equipment, it’s important to select high-efficiency models that exceed minimum productivity standards. Consider variable-speed compressors and fans, which operate more efficiently at partial loads compared to single-speed equipment. Look for Energy Star certification and evaluate lifecycle costs rather than focusing solely on initial purchase price. The Air Concepts team can provide multiple options and explain pros and cons of each model under consideration.
Home Dehumidifier
Air conditioners work harder to cool and dehumidify indoor air in hot and humid conditions like we experience within the Golden Isles. This increased workload not only leads to higher energy consumption but can also result in higher utility bills. By reducing humidity levels, dehumidifiers improve energy efficiency and lower cooling costs. Air Concepts can install a home dehumidifier so you can start reaping the benefits immediately.
Financial Investment
Keep in mind that while energy-saving HVAC upgrades may require upfront costs, they’ll save you money over time through lower utility bills. Look into available rebates from your local utility company and federal tax credits that can help reduce the initial cost of energy-efficient equipment. By tracking your energy bills before and after upgrades, you can see exactly how much your investment is saving you each month.
These energy-saving ideas will hopefully help you not only save money but also keep you even more comfortable in your home. Routine maintenance to keep your current system healthy is our first suggestion, anything additional is sure to save you money and increase your convenience. Give Air Concepts a call today to discuss any of these options or to have one of our certified technicians service your system to ensure it’s in proper working order: (912) 261-9013