ev charger installation energy efficient Warehouse

How Maintaining Your HVAC System Saves You Green

How Maintaining Your HVAC System Saves You Green
Nov 01 2017

HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) are an important part of every home and business. They allow us to sit comfortably even when the conditions outside are bitter cold or sweltering hot. These systems can also gobble up a lot of energy, sometimes accounting for as much as half of our energy use. Yeah, definitely hungry machines. However, do not fear, because there are ways to significantly save on your energy bill each month dealing just with HVAC systems alone. Let’s explore how.

Smart Thermostat or Programmable Thermostat

Installing a smart or programmable thermostat will cause your existing equipment to run less. This will maximize your current systems efficiency, as well as lead to less maintenance as it will be used less – less usage of the heat exchanger, compressor, fan and all of the equipment.

Check Those Filters

It’s hard to remember to check a HVAC unit’s filter — I mean, it’s not exactly the top thing on everyone’s “to-do” list — but it’s an important to check your filter every month. Summertime and wintertime especially, since we tend to blast the heat/cool air during this time.If you happen to win a three month excursion

So why do you have to actually come home from Maui to change the filter? Why do they matter? Well, a dirty filter will significantly slow down the air flow and make your poor HVAC

system work way, way harder than it has to. When it works harder it wastes more energy, meaning it wastes more money. Basically, it’s like wearing an air-restricting mask while you run. Can you do it? Yes. Do you want to? Definitely not.

Duct, Duct, Seal

Ducts are the part of your HVAC system that distributes the conditioned air throughout your home or business. Leaks, holes, and improper working ducts can attribute to 20-30 percent lost air within the typical home (imagine the lost air in a business, oy). “How will I know if I have a faulty duct?” you might ask. Here’s how:

  • High summer/winter utility bills
  • Difficulty heating/cooling rooms
  • Rooms that are stuffy
  • If your ducts are located in an attic, crawlspace, or garage
  • Tangled/kinked flexible duct

Voilà, you are now that much wiser in ducts.

Update That Old Thing. Treat Yourself.

If your HVAC system is older than your kid born in the 90’s, you might want to consider replacing it (the HVAC unit, not the child). A system over 10 years old should be checked by a professional HVAC contractor to see it’s performance. If it is not performing efficiently, consider replacing it. This investment could potentially save you more than 115 dollars annually on your energy bill. Ca-ching!

HVAC systems are truly a gift, so show them you appreciate them by keeping them clean, changing their filters, checking their ducts, and updating them when necessary.

led-retrofitting

Categories

Popular Posts

Jan 08, 2018BY Verde

Do You Need a Ballast…

The water fountain spigot kind of acts like a ballast in this… [...]

Feb 06, 2018BY Verde

Are Smart Power Strips Worth…

Really there are two questions here regarding Smart Power Strips: Is it… [...]

Featured Posts

Energy Savings Formula
Mar 15 2021

Energy Savings Formula

In 2002, I became a firefighter in the north suburbs of Chicago.  I was young and idealistic - loving almost every part of the job. However, I had another secret passion - sustainability.   In addition…

Continue Reading >
Verde Energy Efficiency Experts 10 Most Sustainable Companies in Chicago
May 02 2019

Verde Energy Efficiency Experts 10 Most Sustainable Companies in Chicago

In our energy efficiency consulting firm, we constantly look for inspiration from local companies that lead and innovate in clean energy and sustainability.  Not all companies have billion dollar budgets, but that doesn’t mean that…

Continue Reading >

Related Articles

What is Demand Control Ventilation?
Feb 26 2024

What is Demand Control Ventilation?

Outside air for building, brought in via a rooftop unit, a Direct Outside Air System, or via an Energy Recovery Ventilator, are important for many reasons due to code. Fresh air is required in public…

Continue Reading >
What is the Best Way to Control an ERV?
Feb 26 2024

What is the Best Way to Control an ERV?

An Energy Recovery Ventilator, or ERV, is a type of ventilation system that help to improve the air quality in your building. The ERV does this by bringing in fresh air from outside and exhausting…

Continue Reading >

Get An Energy Efficiency Assessment

Please fill out the form below and connect with an energy efficiency consultant.

Verde Energy Efficiency Expert 5328 N Northwest Highway
Chicago, IL 60630

T (773) 413-9587