Energy saving is the need of the hour as not just for the sake of the environment but also for our wallets. If you are indeed looking to make the best use of a residential HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, then you need to leverage comfort and energy.
An average HVAC system consumes 3500 watts and runs two to three times an hour for 10-15 minutes. In a month, it consumes about 850-1950kWh depending on the efficiency of the unit. On the whole, the energy consumption of HVAC is about 50% of the total consumption for residential usage.
If you are looking for a professional company to ensure that your heating and cooling system runs smoothly all through the year, try Dallas HVAC Installation and Maintenance for experienced technicians to assist you.
Tips To Conserve Energy At Home With HVAC
When the weather gets extreme, you will turn to your residential HVAC system to keep yourself comfortable at home. At times, the system might be working continuously to keep up with the demands of maintaining your home temperature.
But, this comes with a flip-side which is increased energy consumption. With a few easy and proactive steps, you can lower your energy consumption and lower your bills. Let’s take a look at how to save energy in your home's residential HVAC system.
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Setting Boundaries
Set boundaries at your home by controlling heating and cooling to designated spaces to improve HVAC energy efficiency as much by 20%. By setting boundaries you are adjusting to the current environment and the season.
Your residential HVAC system needs to be extended to your garage or loading area at any point of the year. If you have an open warehouse then consider it sealing in order to keep the warmth or the chilliness.
This way you can conduct an energy audit or commission for energy conservation in new buildings by defining the boundaries and knowing how airflow from HVAC ducting should be directed.
2. Using Programmable Thermostats
A much more effective way to save energy in residential HVAC systems is to position a programmable thermostat to regulate air current and temperature to provide reasonable comfort levels at various times of the day and the year. This method is economical as it creates a customizable heating and cooling system.
There’s a pre-set schedule that includes programmable heat or air conditioning to maintain temperatures for specific time periods in a day. Look out for rooms that are not occupied through the day or night and adjust the temperature settings as it saves as much as 10% in energy consumption.
3. Installation of Automatic Controls
Automation works wonders. As it automatically controls the speed, output, and run-time of HVAC equipment such as fans, coolers, chillers, and compressor motors allowing the entire system to be controlled. Such automation provides appropriate amounts of heat and cold.
You can install a variable air valve into the air system to regulate airflow. By doing so you save about 25% on the total electrical bills while also not compromising on the comfort of the users at each point of the day and throughout the year.
4. Implement a Calculated Equipment Set Points
Another important energy-saving tip for residential HVAC systems is to implement equipment set points to achieve desired comfort levels. This is an optimal idea as your HVAC systems are not working more than necessary. For instance, implement equipment set points for fans and blowers to run at speeds that deliver the air required for the space it is set to serve.
The equipment is generally set to run at more speed than what is needed and when you don’t set optimal values, they tend to consume more energy for a greater cooling or heating effect. It’s the responsibility of the users to read through the manual and implement optimal equipment set points to avoid high energy consumption and thereby save energy.
5. Cleaning the Air Filters Regularly
It doesn’t stop with just buying and installing a residential HVAC system at your residence. It requires proper and periodic maintenance to keep your HVAC running efficiently. The foremost thing that you must be doing is to change the air filters regularly. If you think you might not remember, you can book professional services with automatic recurring maintenance every month.
This ensures that your residential HVAC systems operate smoothly and efficiently with reduced energy consumption which obviously extends its lifespan. Air filters are prone to get blocked with dust and debris and through regular maintenance, such particles are cleaned for improved airflow. Such regular maintenance enhances overall efficiency which results in reduced energy bills.
6. Switch Off the HVAC System For a While
Just because you have invested in HVAC systems does not mean that you need to use them all the time. Take advantage of natural ventilation when the weather is formidable.
Natural ventilation works best in dry climates and in moderate climates where the nights are cool.
For a little while, keep the windows and the doors open for fresh air to flow in. This is one way of cooling your home. Besides this, you can install ceiling fans, pedestal fans, and tower fans for better air circulation and improved comfort. All this helps you save a lot of energy, embrace eco-friendly ventilation, and your HVAC system gets a break from running continuously.
7. Remember to Insulate Your Home
Sometimes you might observe that your energy consumption is still high though you have done every possible thing to save energy. At times such as this, look for air leaks around your windows, doors, and ductwork. There can be gaps, cracks, or spaces through which the chillness or the heat sneaks out of the designated space.
What you must do first is to insulate by sealing them properly using weatherstripping, caulk, or adhesive hook tape. Insulate your home, particularly, the attic and walls to prevent heat transfer. Proper insulation ensures that the warm or cool air remains inside the designated space and reduces the workload on your HVAC system.
FAQ
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What is a typical HVAC system for residential usage?
A residential HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is a piece of equipment installed inside your home to keep it either warm or cold. It generally has 2 components, the inner unit, called the evaporator, and the outer unit called the compressor.
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How does HVAC work in the home?
In general, an HVAC system moves warm air either into the house or out of it. The system contains an indoor unit, an evaporator, and an outdoor unit, a condenser. The air moves between both units to generate the required temperature.
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What are the top HVAC companies in the world?
Your HVAC system is crucial to your home and knowing the leading suppliers will help you to make an informed decision buying one. Some of the world’s renowned residential HVAC systems are Carrier, Trane, Lennox Commercial, Rheem, and American Standard.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing extreme climates is the new norm worldwide as the world battles with climate change. To cope with this nature’s alteration, there’s no alternative option than to install an HVAC system at your home.
Nevertheless, comfort comes with a cost. To leverage both comfort and energy-saving the above-mentioned steps are the best. Energy-saving tips are just limited to these alone and you can look into more effective ways by subscribing to digital newsletters or asking questions in communities on social media.
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