4 Ways HVAC Maintenance Affects Energy Efficiency


Filed under: Air Conditioning

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In most homes, the HVAC system accounts for 30 – 40% of the monthly electricity bill. While it’s nice to have control over the indoor climate, it can also be frustrating to see how much you are spending every month on utilities. If you are looking for ways to reduce your monthly spending, then it might be time to evaluate the performance of your heating and air conditioning unit. It is possible to decrease your spending without sacrificing the comfortable indoor climate that you enjoy.

Follow these essential steps to optimize the performance of the HVAC system, which in turn can help to reduce your spending:

  1. Ventilation and Air Flow: Poor ventilation puts an undue burden on the HVAC system. As a result, the air conditioner is overloaded, and you are likely facing wear and tear issues in the future. Not only does the airflow indoors need to be evaluated, but an HVAC expert should also look at how the outside air flow rates conform to the local code requirements.
  2. Check System Load: An HVAC professional can do the load calculations based on the size of your home compared to the HVAC unit installed. These calculations can be used to identify unique maintenance and repair tasks that will help to reduce the load. It is important that you are using equipment sized for your load. Never undersize or oversize the system. “More is better” does not apply to heating and air conditioning. An oversized system will just run up your utility bills.
  3. Upgrade Equipment: If your HVAC system is more than 13 years old, then you should prepare to replace this equipment. Most residential systems last for at least 15 years, but it is smart to have a replacement plan ready so you aren’t caught off guard when it is time to upgrade. When choosing new equipment, look for products that are labeled with the Energy Star brand.
  4. Programmable Thermostat: Installing a programmable thermostat can be an effective way to reduce utility expenses. Most people find that this investment pays back more than the cost in a short time.

If you need HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation, then we are here to assist. Contact our experienced team at Wells Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning: (951) 375-6856