Don’t let these HVAC
mistakes drive up your summer cooling costs. Learn how to keep your HVAC unit running
efficiently and save money. If you’re interested in getting your air-conditioning costs under
control, keep reading. You may be surprised to learn that a few of your bad habits may
be sabotaging your savings plan.
How to prevent your HVAC unit from working overtime this summer.
Save money and keep your home cool with these tips.
The first and most important step is to conduct an air-conditioning audit. This will help
you identify and correct inefficiencies. Start by inspecting the air filter. It should be
changed every 30-90 days, depending on the type of filter you have. If it’s been a while
since you last changed it, that could be costing you in terms of energy costs.
Next, you’ll want to inspect the ductwork. If there are any leaks or blockages, that could
be reducing the efficiency of your system. Sealing any gaps with mastic or foil tape will
help to improve efficiency.
Another area to check is your insulation. If you have poor or inadequate insulation, your
air-conditioning will have to work harder and longer to keep your home at the desired
temperature. Make sure you have at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic, as well as
weatherstripping around windows, doors, and other openings.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure your air-conditioning system is properly sized for your
home. An undersized system won’t be able to keep your home cool, while an oversized
system will cost more to run and won’t be as efficient.
1. Neglecting Maintenance on Your HVAC Unit
Neglecting maintenance on your HVAC unit can result in decreased energy efficiency,
high energy bills, and a shortened lifespan of the unit. It can also lead to comfort issues,
such as inadequate cooling or heating, and potentially dangerous situations, such as
carbon monoxide leaks. To keep your HVAC unit running efficiently and safely, it’s
important to have it maintained and serviced regularly. This includes changing the air
filters, cleaning the condensate lines, and inspecting the system for wear and tear. In
addition, it’s important to have a professional HVAC technician inspect the unit annually
to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.
2. Forgetting to Change Air Filters
Failing to change your air filters can cause a variety of problems, including:
– Poor indoor air quality, leading to allergies and respiratory problems
– Increased energy costs as your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through a clogged filter
– Premature wear and tear on your HVAC system due to a clogged filter
– Reduced airflow and circulation, making it harder to maintain comfortable temperatures
– An increased risk of fire if lint and dust build-up around the filter and ignite
It's important to check your air filters regularly and replace them when needed. Most air filters should be replaced every three months or more often if you have pets or high levels of dust in your home.
– Poor indoor air quality, leading to allergies and respiratory problems
– Increased energy costs as your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through a clogged filter
– Premature wear and tear on your HVAC system due to a clogged filter
– Reduced airflow and circulation, making it harder to maintain comfortable temperatures
– An increased risk of fire if lint and dust build-up around the filter and ignite
It's important to check your air filters regularly and replace them when needed. Most air filters should be replaced every three months or more often if you have pets or high levels of dust in your home.
3. Starting with an Oversize HVAC System
Oversize HVAC systems waste energy and put unnecessary strain on the entire
system. An oversize HVAC unit will cycle on and off too frequently, leading to short-
cycling and reduced efficiency. Additionally, an oversize HVAC system will not be able
to adequately dehumidify the air, leading to an uncomfortable home environment.
Finally, an oversize HVAC system will increase the cost of installation and repair due to
the larger size of the unit and the additional strain on the system.
To avoid the issue of an oversize HVAC system, homeowners should consult a
professional HVAC technician for an inspection and sizing recommendation. The
technician should look at the home’s square footage, insulation levels, windows, and
other factors to determine the correct size for the home. Additionally, homeowners
should be aware of any manufacturer ratings or sizing charts that may also be used to
determine the correct size.
The best way to ensure a properly sized HVAC system is to have it installed by a
professional. The technician should use the correct sizing information to ensure the
system is correctly sized for the home. The technician should also perform regular
maintenance to ensure the system is running properly and efficiently. With the right size
4. Shutting Off Vents
Shutting off vents in your home is not recommended as it can cause your HVAC system
to become inefficient and can even cause damage to your system over time. When
vents are shut off, the air pressure in the system increases, causing the system to work
harder and less efficiently. Additionally, it can cause dust and dirt to circulate back into
the system, which can lead to clogged filters and other parts of the system. Finally,
closing vents can cause hot and cold spots in your home, leading to discomfort and
higher energy bills.
5. Not Using a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are known to save you money on your energy bills. They
allow you to set a schedule that keeps your home comfortable when you are home and
lowers the temperature when you are away, helping you to save money on your energy
bills. If you are not using a programmable thermostat, you could be missing out on
significant savings.
6. Hiding the Outdoor Unit
There are several options for hiding an outdoor unit, depending on the size and style
you are looking for. One of the most popular options is to build a wooden box around
the unit, which can be stained or painted to match the exterior of your home. You can
also use lattice panels, shrubs, or trellises to provide a natural camouflage. Another
option is to use a decorative wall or fence to conceal the unit, and if that doesn't work,
you can even purchase a prefabricated cover designed specifically for air conditioner
units.
7. Not Ventilating the Attic
Not ventilating the attic can cause a number of problems. Without proper air circulation,
heat and moisture can build up and cause condensation, which can lead to rot, mould,
and structural damage. The lack of ventilation also means that hot air can become
trapped in the attic, which can increase the temperature of the home and make it more
expensive to cool. Additionally, without proper ventilation, the attic can become a haven
for pests and other insects.
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