Is Your HVAC System Using Environmentally Friendly Tools?

Your HVAC system accounts for the bull’s share of your monthly energy bill. Energy usage also takes a toll on the environment. There are steps you can take, from simple filter changes to high-efficiency upgrades, to turn your cooling and heating energy hog into an environmentally friendly HVAC unit. Here’s how:

Check the Air Filter

This simple step may not seem like a real energy saver, but in reality, it is. Running a dirty air filter day after day can cost you as much as 10% in extra energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Use a good air filter for your HVAC unit. Mid-efficiency, pleated filters or better are your best bet. Check them monthly and change them out according to manufacturer specifications.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

A fine-running machine is an environmentally friendly HVAC unit. Make sure you take care of your HVAC system with regular maintenance. Make sure there are no obstructions to free airflow at the indoor air vents and around the outdoor HVAC unit.

Obstructions like vegetations, garbage bins, and fencing should be at least 2 feet away from the outdoor unit to allow for free airflow. Furthermore, schedule semiannual HVAC maintenance with your HVAC contractor.

Seal the Air Ducts

When you check the indoor air vents for obstructions, check for air pressure from the vents as well to ensure an environmentally friendly HVAC unit. You want balanced airflow throughout your home for the greatest comfort and energy efficiency.

If you notice that airflow is uneven from the vents, you may have duct leaks, which doesn’t make for an environmentally friendly HVAC system. Contact your HVAC technician to inspect the air ducts.

Try a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade

If your HVAC system is a decade or more old, it may not be an environmentally friendly HVAC unit. If you are in the market for a ductless mini-split system, you may be able to more than double energy efficiency with a unit that gets 30 SEER or higher.

To further explore environmentally friendly HVAC equipment and tools for your Lorain-area home, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning today.