The HVAC system uses fossil fuels and releases greenhouse gases that are nearly 4000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Improving the energy efficiency of your HVAC system will not only reduce utility costs but also minimize your carbon footprint and improve the overall value of your property.
Here are six simple tips to boost the efficiency of your HVAC system, thereby reducing your operational and maintenance costs in an eco-friendly manner.
- Conduct Professional Energy Audit
Scheduling an energy audit with an HVAC expert will pinpoint specific issues that are pulling down the efficiency of the system. Unsealed drafts, leaky ducts, old and poorly-maintained equipment, faulty thermostats, and insufficient insulation are a few factors that can adversely affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.
During the energy audit, the HVAC technician will use his/her diagnostic skills to make relevant energy-saving suggestions, thereby improving the system performance and extending the life of the equipment.
The professional will also help you understand the various terms used to rate the HVAC performance, such as SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), EER (energy efficiency ratio), SCOP (seasonal coefficient of performance), and HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor). Knowing these terms will help you gauge the performance of the system and take corrective measures towards boosting its efficiency.
- Keep on Top of Annual HVAC Maintenance
Since you do not see your HVAC equipment physically every day, it is quite easy to assume it’s working well. System optimization through preventive maintenance is critical to making the system run efficiently with no catastrophic breakdowns, thereby reducing the heating and cooling costs and evading the need for major equipment repairs or replacements.
An annual HVAC maintenance will ensure that the system is examined and cleaned regularly, the moving parts are lubricated, and the condensate drain is clean. The agency will also inspect other parts of the system, such as the burner, the heat exchanger, the digital or ultrasonic water flow meter, and the fuel-line connections and clean, repair, or replace them as required.
- Invest in Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat will automatically set your HVAC system as per the usage schedule, thereby enabling you to enjoy multiple temperature settings without having to change it manually. For instance, you can set your HVAC system to operate at efficient temperatures when you are away or sleeping and the thermostat will automate the process, saving money and boosting the system’s efficiency.
(In recent times, Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats allow users to control the HVAC system through devices, such as the smartphones, tablets, or computers, allowing them to access, monitor, and adjust the home temperature from remote locations. Moreover, these thermostats have the ability to apply analytics, study the heating and cooling routine, and deliver a comfortable indoor temperature, helping you save energy.
- Upgrade to High-Efficiency Equipment
Old HVAC equipment is often inefficient and wastes a considerable amount of energy. It is wise to invest in high-efficiency water-heaters, air conditioners, and other HVAC appliances as they use energy efficiently and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Appliances with the European Energy label are specially designed to use energy optimally, reduce utility bills and the carbon footprint, and promote a greener environment. These appliances can effectively convert the fuel into energy used to generate heat for your home, achieving efficiency as high as 97 percent.
- Pay Attention to Insulation
Insulating the HVAC ducts in the unconditioned spaces will reduce the heat loss, thus maintaining the desired indoor temperature and saving energy costs.
For instance, if the duct-work carrying the conditioned (hot or cold) air isn’t insulated, it will lose or gain heat from the surroundings and cause inadequate heating or cooling. Therefore, it is critical that the ducts of the HVAC system are adequately insulated to prevent heat exchange, fluctuations in the desired air-conditioned temperature, and increased energy costs. Seal unit ducts and insulate them using fibreglass and foil to improve the air temperature efficiency of the duct system.
Furthermore, insulating the walls and ceilings can reduce heat loss, thereby improving the performance of your HVAC system. A well-insulated house is highly energy-efficient, needing very little additional heating and cooling throughout the year. Build a thermal envelope around your house by installing structured wall and roof insulated panels. Rigid foam boards, wet-spray cellulose, and fibreglass batts are commonly used to reduce heat loss. Also, use weatherstripping to seal air leaks around the moveable components of your house, such as the doors and the windows. For cracks and joints in stationary building components, use caulk, a flexible material that seals gaps and prevents air leaks.
- Use a Zoned HVAC System
A zoned HVAC system enables you to divide the house into multiple temperature zones, so you can control them separately. For instance, depending on your requirement, you can reduce the temperature in the cooking area and simultaneously increase it in the bedrooms and the living room.
The smart multi-zone thermostat automatically senses and adjusts the temperature in the respective zones of your house, thereby optimizing the energy usage and boosting the performance of the HVAC system. Besides reducing the heating and cooling expenses, a zoned HVAC system offers enhanced comfort as it helps you control the temperature in different rooms using just one smart thermostat.
This system works best in multilevel homes where temperature preferences on each floor vary according to the amount of sunlight and shade received and the occupancy in each room.
Conclusion:
The HVAC system consumes as much as half the energy used in your dwelling. Furthermore, these systems consume a huge amount of fossil fuels, significantly increasing greenhouse emissions and the ensuing adverse effects on the environment.
Making your HVAC system energy-efficient can help you save energy and minimize your carbon footprint. Use the above-mentioned tips to boost the efficiency of your HVAC system, lower your home’s utility bills, and save the environment.
Guest Post by:
Ann Neal
@Ann_G_