Energy Efficiency Advice

Looking to ensure your systems are operating at their highest energy efficiency?

We have a few general tips for ensuring the best energy efficiency with your HVAC. Being energy efficient doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few considerations, you can see big differences in your furnace and air conditioning units.

If you have air quality issues in your home, such as excessive pet hair, dust, or irritating allergens, you may be able to improve the problem by upgrading to a filter with a higher MERV rating. All filters have MERV ratings between 1 and 20, and the higher the rating, the more (and the smaller) particles it will capture. Keep in mind – filters should be cleaned or replaced seasonally!

A regularly scheduled maintenance check is the best way to ensure that your unit continues to run efficiently. If your unit performs both heating and cooling functions, try to schedule two check-ups per year — one in the spring before you use your A/C, and one in the fall before you use your heating.

To ensure your HVAC is operating at its highest efficiency, remove your unit from any excessive sunlight spots. A shaded area is key, but keep in mind that trees and foliage can clog vents and hinder ventilation.

Ensuring that your ducts are operating properly can save you huge in the long run. If you have rising energy bills, some rooms getting hotter or cooler than others, or signs of dust and dirt around your vents, you might have leaky ductwork. HVAC technicians can conduct pressure tests to help you verify this problem, and most offer a variety of repair services. Homeowners can repair accessible ducts by covering any gaps with aluminum tape.

We all want to keep comfortable at home, and that means ensuring that our HVAC is running properly and smoothly.