What Are Some Energy-Saving Strategies for Your HVAC System?

HVAC systems use up to 60% of the energy consumed in a building, according to the Department of Energy. The average home in the United States spends over $2,200 on energy costs and about half of this amount goes toward heating and cooling. Even if you are not ready to upgrade your Durham HVAC system, there are several steps you can take to make your system more efficient and lower energy costs. Here are three energy-saving strategies you can implement today.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

When used properly, a programmable thermostat can help you save up to 15% on your energy costs. A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust when your HVAC system turns on based on a pre-set schedule. The key to unlocking these savings is actually using your thermostat and setting it correctly.

According to the Department of Energy, the average household can save up to 15% a year on energy bills by programming the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter when you’re awake and home and 10-15 degrees lower when you’re away or asleep. During the summer, set the thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home. You may even want to invest in a smart thermostat that learns your preferences and automatically creates a program. With a smart thermostat, you never need to worry that you will forget to program the thermostat.

Stay Current on HVAC Maintenance

Think maintenance is no big deal? Dirt and deferred maintenance are the leading costs of HVAC failure and low efficiency. Take steps to maintain your heating and cooling system to help it run as efficiently as possible. This includes changing your air filter regularly and having the system inspected at the start of the cooling and heating seasons. Most filters last 60-90 days or even up to one year. Because dirty filters block airflow through the HVAC system, switching them out when you can’t see light passing through anymore is the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Have Your Ducts Inspected and Sealed

Your duct system carries treated air throughout your Durham home. Your HVAC system is only as efficient as the duct work it uses. Unfortunately, many homes have leaky ducts that reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system by up to 30% as cooled or heated air escapes. Leaky ducts can also impact your health as the leaks allow dirty air to come through. Having your ducts inspected and sealed can improve the efficiency of your system and lower your energy use.

If your Durham, NC HVAC unit needs some extra attention and you are trying to conserve energy do not hesitate to reach out to Green Horizon One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® at (919) 646-3639.