Heating your home in the winter and cooling it in the summer can end up being quite pricey, especially if you live in an area with more extreme climates. Here's some tips on how to lower the cost of running your HVAC unit.
Having an HVAC unit is a convenient way to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Taking care of your HVAC unit is important to ensure that you can keep your house comfortable all year long. Knowing these HVAC tips can save you time and money:
1. Change or Clean Air Filters
The easiest and cheapest way to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is to change the filters. Most disposable air filters should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. Changing them more frequently is a good idea if you have pets that can cause dander and hair to be in your home's environment. If you have washable filters that can be removed and cleaned for reuse, check and clean these on the same schedule. When you don't clean or replace filters, debris and dust build on them, making it more difficult for your HVAC to work efficiently. This puts dirt and dust into your house while forcing the HVAC system to work harder.
2. Keep HVAC Units Clean
HVAC units attract debris such as leaves and dirt. Buildup from debris can cause problems in how the units function. Clear an area at least two feet away from the HVAC unit, regularly checking to see that the unit is clear. Clean the unit properly. Lightly rinse the HVAC unit to remove dirt, dust, mold, and lint. A clean HVAC unit works more effectively, saving you energy and money.
3. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep costs down in your home. You can set programmable thermostats for different schedules. A 5-2 programmable thermostat schedules different temperatures for weekdays and temperatures for weekends. You can set a 5-1-1 program for a standard weekday schedule and a different schedule for weekends. A 7-day thermostat will have the same pattern and temperatures for a full week.
4. Use the "Auto" Fan Setting
HVAC systems have two fan settings: automatic and "on." The "on" setting helps traps more dust and is useful for homes where people have respiratory problems or allergies. However, when an HVAC system is always on the “on” setting, it forces your HVAC to work harder, using more energy and leading to a shorter system lifespan. Automatic settings tell the fan to run when the system only when it is cooling or heating. Some systems have dual-speed fans for energy-efficient settings that balance between heating and cooling.
5. Maintain Your HVAC
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keep costs contained for your HVAC unit. Schedule maintenance two times a year to keep your HVAC working. It's best to schedule maintenance in early spring, late summer, or early fall before summer heat or winter cold. If you want to make sure your HVAC system is running at its most effective level, contact your local HVAC technician to schedule a maintenance visit.
If you follow these five tips on how to make your HVAC system run more efficiently, you'll thank yourself in the long run when you see how much money you save. Taking these measures will lower your utility bills and increase your HVAC system's lifespan.
Having an HVAC unit is a convenient way to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Taking care of your HVAC unit is important to ensure that you can keep your house comfortable all year long. Knowing these HVAC tips can save you time and money:
1. Change or Clean Air Filters
The easiest and cheapest way to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is to change the filters. Most disposable air filters should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. Changing them more frequently is a good idea if you have pets that can cause dander and hair to be in your home's environment. If you have washable filters that can be removed and cleaned for reuse, check and clean these on the same schedule. When you don't clean or replace filters, debris and dust build on them, making it more difficult for your HVAC to work efficiently. This puts dirt and dust into your house while forcing the HVAC system to work harder.
2. Keep HVAC Units Clean
HVAC units attract debris such as leaves and dirt. Buildup from debris can cause problems in how the units function. Clear an area at least two feet away from the HVAC unit, regularly checking to see that the unit is clear. Clean the unit properly. Lightly rinse the HVAC unit to remove dirt, dust, mold, and lint. A clean HVAC unit works more effectively, saving you energy and money.
3. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep costs down in your home. You can set programmable thermostats for different schedules. A 5-2 programmable thermostat schedules different temperatures for weekdays and temperatures for weekends. You can set a 5-1-1 program for a standard weekday schedule and a different schedule for weekends. A 7-day thermostat will have the same pattern and temperatures for a full week.
4. Use the "Auto" Fan Setting
HVAC systems have two fan settings: automatic and "on." The "on" setting helps traps more dust and is useful for homes where people have respiratory problems or allergies. However, when an HVAC system is always on the “on” setting, it forces your HVAC to work harder, using more energy and leading to a shorter system lifespan. Automatic settings tell the fan to run when the system only when it is cooling or heating. Some systems have dual-speed fans for energy-efficient settings that balance between heating and cooling.
5. Maintain Your HVAC
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keep costs contained for your HVAC unit. Schedule maintenance two times a year to keep your HVAC working. It's best to schedule maintenance in early spring, late summer, or early fall before summer heat or winter cold. If you want to make sure your HVAC system is running at its most effective level, contact your local HVAC technician to schedule a maintenance visit.
If you follow these five tips on how to make your HVAC system run more efficiently, you'll thank yourself in the long run when you see how much money you save. Taking these measures will lower your utility bills and increase your HVAC system's lifespan.