How Proper HVAC Methods Can Reduce Energy Costs All Year

While the initial cost may be prohibitive to some current or would-be homeowners, a properly installed and updated HVAC system will ultimately save you and your family from high energy costs, effectively paying for itself in a short period of time while consuming less.

Of course, the other half of that are steps that you can take to increase your system’s longevity, such as replacing the HVAC furnace filter. So how do you and your HVAC system help reduce your energy costs for the foreseeable future?

Regularly Maintain Your HVAC System

As mentioned earlier, your HVAC system typically comes out of the box fully functional and operating at full capacity. As time goes on, this system and its components start to deteriorate and ultimately malfunction.

The best way you can protect you, your family, and your investment is to:

• Follow your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
• Replace furnace filters every six months or as needed.
• Remove dust and lint buildup from vent covers.
• Inspect for any malfunctions or signs of damage.
• In the event that you suspect a problem with your HVAC system, call a professional.

Check Your Door and Windows for Air Leaks

This is one of the most overlooked causes for excessive energy costs by homeowners. Older homes can also experience such infiltrations around joining edges, and even more so in older homes that have experienced fluctuating humidity levels.

These air leaks can translate to not only lost energy costs literally flying out of your window, but also taxing on your HVAC system as it struggles to keep up. Replacing old weatherstripping along doors and windows is a good way to keep your indoor air contained, and thus reducing strain on your HVAC system.

How Your HVAC System Maintains Indoor Temperature

Since warm air has more moisture, modern HVAC systems remove excess moisture which thus reduces the indoor temperature. In order to keep fresh air circulating throughout the home, wall vents and dampers passively vent stale inside air outside while intake vents bring in fresh, outside air to replace it.

Your HVAC system, programmable via the main control panel or thermostat, effectively removes excess moisture simply as a function of cooling. Where regular maintenance is important, annual inspections by a professional are also advised to help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently.

A broken or otherwise malfunctioning thermostat can lead to excessive energy costs, as the system is unsure which temperature to maintain. If your control panel uses them, ensure that the batteries have a charge and that your system isn’t constantly kicking on. Either of those could indicate problems with the thermostat.

How FAMCO Can Help

We are FAMCO, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of HVAC supplies and accessories in the Pacific Northwest. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment is crucial to maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle, and we help deliver the goods.

If you’re interested in learning how we can help you deck out your HVAC system, give us a call. We will be more than happy to help.