It’s no secret that heating and cooling your home consumes a lot of energy. But you don’t need to fall victim to assuming there is nothing you can do about it. You can cut energy use and the associated costs with a few simple steps to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Follow these tips for keeping your system functioning at its best.  

Clean Around Outdoor Units 

Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clean and free of debris improves its efficiency. That means cutting back plants or shrubs within a two-foot radius of the unit to allow air to circulate freely and removing any old leaves, twigs or other debris that may fall on or around the unit. Check the area frequently, especially in the fall or after storms when fallen debris is often at its worst. Keeping the area clean will help keep your unit more efficient.

Clean or Replace Filters 

The filters in your HVAC unit work hard to filter out dust, dirt, and grime, preventing foreign objects from entering the unit. But they don’t last forever. Over time they can clog with dust, pollen and other debris making it harder for your unit to perform at its best. A dirty filter may also allow some dust and debris into the unit and make it harder for the evaporator coil to absorb heat. Change or clean your filters according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cleaning or replacing the filter can increase your unit’s efficiency by 5 to 15 percent. 

Use Your Thermostat Wisely 

Many people fall victim to constantly adjusting the thermostat throughout the day. While adjusting the temperature up or down a few degrees during the night or during hours when no one is at home can save you money, this is best done with a programmable thermostat. Typically setting the heat back or turning the AC up 5 to 8 degrees when no one is home can save on energy costs, but constant fiddling with the thermostat can have the opposite effect. To keep your system running efficiently, set the thermostat and leave it alone. 

Don’t Neglect Professional Maintenance 

It may be tempting to try to save a few bucks by skipping regular maintenance, but you may end up paying out more in the long run. Regular cleaning and maintenance help to keep your unit running at its peak saving energy costs throughout the year. But that’s not the only reason you need regular maintenance. A professional HVAC technician is trained to spot problems before they arise and can correct potential issues long before you know there is a problem. Not only does that save money on repairs, but it also avoids costly emergency calls.

Inspect Your Ductwork 

You probably don’t give your ductwork a lot of thought as long as it is pumping warm or cool air into your home, but old or poorly maintained ductwork can be a major source of energy loss in your home. Check that the joints in your ductwork are properly sealed and that any ductwork that travels through uninsulated areas (like the attic or crawl spaces) is insulated. 

For more tips on how you can get the most out of your HVAC system, contact us today at Guaranteed Services. We will be glad to schedule a service call and help you decide how you can improve your system’s efficiency.