Heating and cooling systems account for a substantial chunk of a home’s energy usage. This means HVAC inefficiency manifests directly into higher monthly bills. By incorporating smart efficiency tactics supplemented with professional support from specialized Durham heating and air conditioning companies, homeowners can achieve dramatically lower energy usage. Follow these key tips and contactors’ recommendations tailored to your comfort system’s needs.
Strategic Smart Thermostats
The easiest route towards energy efficiency involves installing smart thermostats to actively manage system runtime. Smart thermostats learn your usage patterns and preferences for automatic adjustment. This prevents running full blast when unnecessary. Smart thermostats also tweak the temperature slightly without comfort compromises. Their connectivity enables remote access to program discrete settings when coming or leaving home or sleeping to prevent unneeded warm up time. Technicians properly size and place smart thermostats for fail-proof integration and efficiency optimization.
Ductwork Detours
Even professionally installed HVAC systems often have ductwork with too many twists or turns because of home layouts. Smooth ducting allows accelerated airflow and requires less runtime for heat/cool air propagation. An experienced Durham heating and cooling company can strategically redirect or expand troublesome duct runs. Just eliminating two or three excess 90 degree angles saves 5 to 15% on energy needs through improved CFM ventilation movement.
Supplementary Dehumidification
Central air reduces indoor humidity as a byproduct during the cooling stages. However, rainy or muggy climates often need dehumidification capabilities beyond a system’s humidistat functionality. Oversized standalone dehumidifiers work harder to combat ambient moisture. Have Durham HVAC technicians examine your humidity loads. A model sized for tight humidity control running supplementary to central air cuts workload on cooling calls. The tandem operation specifically targets moisture removal as their number one job.
Dynamic Filtration
Air filters protect HVAC components and indoor air quality. But wearing filters force systems to overcome airflow resistance high debris loads create. Durham’s premier heating and air companies suggest upgrading filters to 4 to 6 month maintenance schedules. Choose durable pleated or electrostatic filters sized precisely for your unit. Their sheer surface area handles more debris than cheaper models before needing swap outs. Check monthly post-changes to monitor any efficiency loss from declining performance as they load. This proactive approach prevents major energy loss from hidden clogs.
Window Workmanship
Stuck or leaky windows seem unrelated to HVAC efficiency. However, poor window operation enables air infiltration which strains heating and cooling equipment. Binding windows also prohibit natural ventilation on nice weather days when mechanical equipment can remain off. Have Durham heating and air companies inspect window operation during maintenance sessions. Qualified technicians will lubricate tracks, adjust balances and point out replacements needed to restore full function. Proper window operation facilitates better seasonal seals and strategic natural ventilation to conserve powered climate control needs.
Supplementary Ventilation
Bath and kitchen vent fans protect indoor air quality by removing humidity and odors. Yet most models run longer than necessary, permitting cooled/heated air loss too. Consult HVAC services regarding vent fan efficiency tactics. Many firms sell units with timers, automatic shutters and even humidity-sensing operation. These smarter models throttle ventilation rates and durations to the minimum levels actually needed. Even installing basic fan timers permits manually customizing operation schedules around heating/cooling equipment runtime. This ensures peak efficiency daily.
A home’s heating and cooling system efficiency tangibly impacts energy consumption and costs. But with smart usage patterns, efficiency-focused upgrades to components like ductwork and filtration, and custom optimizations from Durham’s most trusted heating and air conditioning companies, you can achieve lower energy bills. Contact industry specialists for an efficiency-minded HVAC assessment targeting your home’s greatest money-saving opportunities today!
