Even if you live in a region with moderate temperatures year-round, you may still need some form of HVAC system. Be mindful that while your SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating may indicate efficiency for your HVAC unit, other factors could impede it such as your ductwork and the age of the unit – generally speaking, a newer unit is more energy-efficient than an older one.
There are several things that can affect your HVAC efficiency. We’ve listed some things to look out for. Your heating and cooling system is essential to your home’s comfort. To learn more about how to improve its functionality and efficiency visit this website.
Know the SEER or AFUE rating of your unit
The first step is to know the ratings of your unit. SEER, meaning “Seasonal energy efficiency ratio”, is the cooling capacity for air conditioners and heat pumps against the energy used; the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is a measurement of the heating efficiency of furnaces and boilers.
These ratings come from the manufacturer and provide an idea of how efficient your system is supposed to be. Note that this is an approximate range because your system is operating in the real world not in a factory.
However the higher the score the better your efficiency will be.
Check your vents
An efficient system will have air coming out of the vent that is at least 15 degrees cooler than the return vents. If this is not the case, then perhaps your system is lacking in efficiency.
Look at your monthly bills
If they are higher than your usage suggests, your system may not be as efficient as it boasts. Bills jump up in the extreme weather months like summer and winter. However, if your usage has not changed much but your bills are at an all-time high consult a professional to check up on your unit’s efficiency.
How often does the system break down?
If your system is frequently breaking down, this is an indication that it is not as efficient as it should be.Therefore consult a technician on your next appointment to ask if there are steps to increasing efficiency or if it’s worth an entire system replacement.
How to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system
Here are some suggestions to improve your system’s efficiency.
Test your thermostat settings
Making simple adjustments to your thermostat settings can save both money and the environment by understanding how each setting balances efficiency with comfort.
Adjust the ‘on mode’ setting first. If your system runs continuously it can waste energy and wear down your unit faster, leading to leaky ductwork and faster wear and tear.
Auto mode settings offer another excellent solution to saving energy and fuel. Your HVAC system can then switch on or off automatically depending on room temperature settings – leading to significant savings on both electricity and fuel bills.
Consider setting the “return-home” feature, too. It can help your system save energy when you’re away by activating 15-30 minutes before your planned return home so your house can heat or cool up more evenly before your arrival – saving energy while you’re gone.
Set your fans to “auto” not “on”
Your fan setting choice can enormously affect how efficient your HVAC system is. Setting it to “on” will have it continuously blow and filter the air in your home to maintain more consistent temperature levels. Setting it on “auto” only causes it to blow when going through an actual cooling or heating cycle and may result in uneven distribution of cool and warm air throughout your home.
Check your air filters
Air filters in your HVAC system remove many pollutants that would otherwise float through your ductwork, including dust, pet hair and debris, mold spores, bacteria and germs. Regularly changing your filter keeps these harmful contaminants at bay and reduces health concerns for you and your family.
Once a filter becomes clogged, your system has to work harder to push air through it – leading to decreased efficiency and higher energy bills. Replacing the air filter regularly can improve performance while saving money.
When selecting an air filter, look at its MERV rating, which measures how efficiently it captures allergens. A higher MERV number indicates better filter performance.
Your ductwork should be clean and the right size
The size, shape, and quantity of bends in the ductwork all impact on how effectively your HVAC system works. Too-small ducts restrict air flow and reduce system performance, while too-large ones can force your HVAC unit to work harder or overheat altogether.
Leaks in your ductwork can significantly decrease system efficiency. This is because most air increases resistance and forces your HVAC unit to work harder to heat or cool your home. Sealing leaks in your ductwork may be one solution to address this problem.
If some of your vents aren’t blowing air, it could be because they’re blocked by furniture or other objects, or perhaps on a cold day, you accidentally closed them and forgot to open them again before returning home. Blockages or obstructions impede airflow through your system and leave hot or cold spots within your home.
Contact a professional if your HVAC system isn’t performing as expected. They’ll conduct tests on the entire system before performing an air-balancing procedure to ensure all components work in sync for maximum energy savings and comfort in your home.
Air balancing can help minimize energy consumption while evenly spreading temperatures across your space for maximum comfort.
