Energy Saving Strategies for your HVAC System

Whether you’re running a business or focusing on your Alexandria home, heating and cooling can account for up to half of your monthly costs. Let’s face it: maintaining a comfortable temperature comes with a pretty hefty price tag. Unfortunately, heating and cooling costs aren’t going away anytime soon. However, there are several approaches you can take to help significantly cut down on your costs.

1. Invest in a programmable thermostat:

These systems are available at a wide range of price points, depending on your specific needs. Many commercial businesses use motion detecting thermostats. The programming is simple: if a person is detected, the room will maintain a temperature between the set “occupied” parameters. If no movement is detected in the room for a set period of time (ex: 30 minutes,) the HVAC system uses the “unoccupied” parameters, which are much wider.

For example, the programming may keep the room’s temperature between 68 and 74 degrees while the room is occupied, but the allowable temperature range may drop to between 62 and 78 degrees when no one is in the room. This is a small tweak, requiring little compromise, but you will be surprised at the difference reflected in your utility bill.

Another type of programmable thermostat, typically cheaper than the system discussed above, is a time-based system. If your house stays empty Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM, you can program the thermostat to automatically widen its allowable temperature range during this time period. Again, this approach requires little to no lifestyle change, but the savings will be immediate.

2.Seal your ducts:

If you use a forced air furnace, heat pump, or central air, you are likely throwing away money in your ducts. Unless your ducts are sealed and insulated, heated and cooled air leaks through the seams and connections of your ducts. This may seem like a minor leak, but it can account for up to one fifth of your heating and cooling bill. To make these changes, start with the most accessible ducts. These are typically in attics and basements.

3. Proper and timely maintenance:

How long has it been since you changed your air filters? What about checking your system’s controls for safe operation or inspecting all electrical connections? If you can’t remember off the top of your head, it’s probably time for a tune-up. Did you know that your air filters should be replaced monthly? Putting off a filter change not only decreases your system’s efficiency, but it also can cause health issues.

With a little bit of research, or a short lesson from your local Alexandria HVAC expert, this is an easy DIY maintenance task. For other maintenance items, including inspecting the condensate drain, lubricating any moving parts, cleaning the blower components, and checking the refrigerant level, it’s best to trust the experts. Your savings in utilities will pay for the maintenance bill time and time again!

For quality services in your Alexandria, VA  home, call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling at (888) 775-5640.