HVAC And Ducted Air Conditioning Useful Tips
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system provides heating and cooling in residential as well as commercial buildings. HVAC systems can be found all around, from single-family homes to submarines, where they offer a comfortable indoor environment.
These heating and cooling systems, are becoming increasingly popular in new home builds, use fresh air from outdoors to maintain high indoor air quality.
The weather in Australia is typically hot and humid on an average day. However, every area has a different climate in our country, so having good air conditioning and a heating system for your home is essential.
There are several HVAC systems available on the market.
Pick one that is suitable for your home and the climatic conditions in Australia.
For example, as we count down the days to winter, it’s time again for homeowners in Melbourne, Sydney, and throughout Australia to use split heating or ducted heating (types of HVAC), depending on the home’s structure and other factors.
Top tips for a more efficient HVAC system
There’s a saying about saving electricity: The cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one you don’t use.
HVAC energy efficiency starts with the mindset of using less and making the most of what you have. Since HVAC systems account for a large percentage of energy costs (experts say 50 to 60 per cent), these measures can make a big difference.
Today, we’re highlighting the best ways to increase the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.
HVAC system maintenance
Perhaps the best way to increase heating system efficiency is through preventive maintenance! Servicing your furnace or heat pump will improve the performance of your system, so it uses less energy to do its job. This will help you lower heating costs, save energy, improve comfort, and reduce the likelihood of your furnace breaking down in the winter.
Heating system maintenance includes:
- Checking and testing your system’s controls
- Cleaning the furnace and other components in your system
- Cleaning the vents and air ducts and checking for possible leaks
- Testing the thermostat to ensure proper operation of your HVAC unit
- Properly cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils after a long summer
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Inspection of the condensate drain
Heating system repairs
If your furnace or heat pump has performance issues, the system is likely not using its energy efficiently.
Preparing for the change in weather is key to avoiding high costs for your heating and cooling system in the middle of winter. Besides heating and air conditioning maintenance, you can prepare for the colder weather with these energy-saving residential heating system repair tips:
- Clean or change your air filter to improve your system’s efficiency
- Seal leaks in your air ducts or vents to prevent warm air from escaping and driving up your heating/energy bills.
- Check the caulking and weatherstripping on doors as well as windows.
- To get the furnace to function more effectively this season, install a programmable thermostat.
Retrofits replace certain system components to increase the overall efficiency of the HVAC system, which can save you up to 35 per cent on annual energy costs. Retrofits cost less than a complete HVAC system replacement but still have a significant impact on energy savings.
Duct sealing
Up to 30 percent of the heating and cooling energy in your home is lost through duct leaks! In addition, any air pumped through your HVAC system can escape through cracks or damage in your vents and ducts. Through expert technicians help, you can save money as well as energy right away by removing damaged ducts.
Replacing the filter
A clean filter is a must on your list of energy saving tips! While most homeowners believe that a filter’s job is to remove air contaminants and improve air quality, its main purpose is to protect system components from those contaminants and ensure good airflow.
A clogged filter impedes airflow, causing the heating system to work more to move air. To avoid obstructing airflow, replace your air filter on a regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer.
Thermostat Upgrades
Smart energy saving tips to reduce heating energy consumption include installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats allow you to schedule the use of the heating system based on the occupancy of the home and make the most efficient settings at any time of day. If you have a manual thermostat in your home, it’s time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model to save money.
HVAC System Upgrades
If you need a new heating system, energy-saving tips focus on the efficiency of the new equipment and efficient technologies. For example, choose furnaces with higher AFUE ratings and heat pumps with higher HSPF ratings.
More energy-saving tips for HVAC systems
The following energy-saving tips are related to home improvements and habits that can help you save energy on HVAC systems.
Use of the fan
During the winter months, set your fan to rotate clockwise. This draws in warm air and returns it to occupied spaces to keep bodies warm with less heating energy. Only use fans when the rooms are in use; otherwise, it’s a waste of electricity!
Efficient temperature settings
Maximize efficiency with proper thermostat settings. Keep the temperature in the home around 22 degrees when you are awake and in the house.
Improve insulation
Increase insulation in the roof cavity walls and floors so your home can store more heating energy. Using carpets and curtains also help to seal in heat and also keep out radiant heat in summer.
Seal your home
Remove drafts that allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape. Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping, caulk door jambs and window sills and seal exterior wall penetrations and other gaps you find.
Smart window coverings
When warm air contacts with cold glass windows, heat is lost. Just being close to a window with cold air makes your body shiver.
Keep windows open when the sun is direct to gain heat without using energy and close them at other times to prevent heat loss.
Keep the air flowing
To avoid wasting energy, make sure your system gets the airflow it requires at all times. Keep the inside and outside of your equipment free of debris. Make sure all vents and return air grilles are open and transparent and not blocked by rugs or furniture.
Save money with the right heating and cooling from Beyond Heating and Cooling
Beyond Heating and Cooling’s services aren’t just for your comfort – HVAC repairs, replacements, and preventive maintenance help your household save energy, too!
So, call us today for professional help.
