People often wonder whether installing a central HVAC system can save them money or cost them more for heating and cooling than classic heating systems and window or through-the-wall air conditioners.
As professional HVAC contractors will tell you, central systems can save you money while increasing your comfort.
An experienced heating and cooling contractor that uses Energy Star components can save you money while keeping your home environmentally friendly and comfortable whatever weather you face.
Here are some tips endorsed by HVAC contractors that won’t break your budget, and they’ll also help you to maintain energy-efficiency and keep your heating and cooling costs under control.
- Replace air filters regularly. Check them each month, particularly during the winter and summer seasons. Once they appear dirty, change them. Even if they’re not loaded with dirt, change them every three months to keep them clean and efficient.
- Have an annual tune-up of your system. Think of your HVAC system as you do your vehicle. Tune-ups increase performance and gas mileage. Your heating and cooling system responds similarly when tuned up.
- Use a programmable thermostat. When you’re away at work or out having fun, set your thermostat to use less energy to save you money. You can use repeat settings for working weekdays and different settings for weekends. Properly managing a programmable thermostat can save you close to $200 annually in energy costs.
- Be sure your heating and cooling ducts are sealed, without leakage. Have your HVAC contractors seal these forced hot/cool air ducts to be sure all heating and cooling air is getting to your living space and not leaking to attics, basements, garages or other places you don’t need to heat or cool. You might increase the efficiency of your central HVAC system by up to 20 percent.
- Ask your heating and cooling contractor to analyze your system for efficiency, particularly if you have a central HVAC system more than 10 years old. HVAC contractors can measure system efficiency to determine whether your unit is working properly or needs upgrading. Should your HVAC professional recommend some upgrades, ask if the contractor can install Energy Star equipment to save you energy and money.
When properly installed and tuned, a central HVAC system will keep you more comfortable and save you money.
Trying to heat or cool your home with individual room units will usually cost you more each month and be inefficient.
For example, while you can certainly shut down window air conditioners in certain rooms, those you have on typically work harder to cool, wasting a lot of energy even if they have internal thermostats.
A central HVAC system will keep you much more comfortable in summer and winter, while costing you less, particularly if you invest in a programmable thermostat to control your home temperature.
If you have questions about installing or maintaining an HVAC system, call us at Sears Heating and Cooling. Our group of licensed technicians is ready to help.
