How To Improve Your HVAC's Energy Efficiency

by Jan Kennemer 01/19/2020

Keeping your home comfortable when the weather gets cooler can have a significant impact on your energy bills. In fact, your HVAC system is one of the biggest sources of energy usage in your home. You could end up spending more than you planned to on heating, especially if the weather turns colder than usual. With a few energy-efficient tips, you can make sure your home stays warm while also lowering your heating costs.

Replacing Air Filters

Your HVAC system has an air filter that’s used to catch dust, pet dander and other particles. This stops these particles from spreading all over your home through your ducts when your heating system is running. These air filters can become clogged and covered with these particles over time, which causes your furnace or heat pump to work harder and run more than usual. When this happens, you’ll notice a steep increase in the amount of energy your HVAC system is using.

Having a clean air filter in your HVAC system is an important part of making sure that it’s able to heat your home efficiently. Air filters should be checked for debris once a month and replaced as often as needed, which is usually every one to three months. If you have pets, you might have to replace your air filter more often.

Scheduling Routine Maintenance

Your HVAC system should have routine maintenance done in order to work efficiently. Even if your furnace or heat pump seems to be running smoothly, there might be minor problems going on due to wear and tear. Routine maintenance helps catch these issues before they turn into bigger ones that prevent your heating system from working efficiently.

Adjusting Your Thermostat

Making adjustments to your thermostat setting can help you cut down on your home’s energy usage. In fact, the Department of Energy states that adjusting your thermostat between seven and ten degrees for eight hours a day can help you save up to ten percent on your heating and cooling costs. Consider lowering your thermostat at night and when you leave home for the day. You can turn it up to a more comfortable temperature when you’re home during the day.

Getting a Programmable Thermostat

Although adjusting your thermostat helps you become more energy-efficient at home, remembering to do so can be a challenge. Having a programmable thermostat means you won’t have to worry that you forgot to lower the temperature setting before you left home or after you’ve gone to bed. Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule temperature adjustments at certain times of the day.

About the Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.