Energy Efficiency: How Houston HVAC Contractors Make a Difference
You need your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable on the hottest days. Since it can comprise the bulk of your energy expenses, it only makes sense that you think about your energy efficiency.
Your HVAC contractor can be a helpful partner in keeping your system energy efficient. Here’s how Houston HVAC contractors and energy efficiency can make a difference for your home in reducing your costs and increasing your comfort.
Install Programmable Thermostats
Take the guesswork out of the equation with programmable or smart thermostats and controls. These systems automate everything and are set by you, allowing you to reduce some of the workload of your air conditioner. While it’s not advised to change the temperature to any extreme, programming it to be slightly higher while you’re out of your house for the day can help increase your energy efficiency.
Upgrade Your Insulation
No matter how new your air conditioning unit is, if the insulation in your home isn’t trapping in the cold air, you’re throwing money away. It’s a good idea to have your HVAC company take a look and see if you’ve got too much air escaping your home. With proper insulation, your unit won’t have to work so hard to keep your home comfortable.
Protect Airflow
On your end, you’ll want to keep your air conditioner free of dust and debris to keep it energy efficient. This can be done by remembering to change your air filters at the right time. Your HVAC company can handle the deep cleaning of the coils and other integral parts once or twice per year to remove any buildup that could impede its efficient functioning.
Close Your Curtains
When it’s hot outside, your air conditioning professionals will likely remind you to close your curtains during the day. This helps keep the sun’s rays away and lets your home stay cooler for longer.
Schedule Regular Maintenance for the Best Energy Efficiency
Believe it or not, many homeowners ignore this crucial tip for energy efficiency. Scheduling your regular maintenance can help prevent major problems with your system. By having this conducted by professionals, they will be able to fix any minor issues with wear and tear before they can lead to a full system malfunction. You’ll also save money by preventing these problems with maintenance.
Be Mindful of Running Your Other Appliances
Your dryer, stove, and your oven make your home warmer when you use them. If possible, it’s best to avoid using these appliances during the hottest times of the day. Try to wait until after the sun sets to keep from forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
Offset Some of the Load with Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are truly a great way to improve HVAC energy efficiency. They help circulate the air throughout your home. This provides more even distribution of the air, keeping your air conditioner from having to use so much energy.
Invest in a New HVAC System with Better Energy Efficiency
If your air conditioning system is approaching its 10-year lifespan, it is time to start thinking about installing a new system. Newer models are far more energy efficient, plus they do not use R22 refrigerant, which has been phased out of production.
The older your unit gets, the less efficient it becomes in time. It also becomes more difficult to repair as the parts are harder to find, making them more expensive. Talk with your HVAC contractor to discuss options for high efficiency HVAC systems that can keep your home comfortable and energy efficient, even when the temperatures reach triple digits in Houston.
