Winter can be the most expensive time of year to run your HVAC system. But rather than cutting your sense of comfort, there are lots of other ways to improve energy efficiency. From maintaining current equipment to adding new accessories, these tasks can make a huge impact on your HVAC energy use. Everyone at A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical believes you deserve the most efficient HVAC system possible. We’ve compiled a list of nine ways you can increase your HVAC energy savings in winter:
- Get an energy audit of your home.
- Keep up with HVAC inspections and maintenance.
- Stay on top of air filter replacement.
- Clean and seal your ductwork
- Install a smart thermostat.
- Add more home insulation.
- Supplement heating with a heat pump.
- Winterize doors and windows.
- Reverse ceiling fans for better airflow.
We’ll walk you through each tip to illustrate why it improves energy efficiency and helps you save money. To get the most of these tips, find a service company you trust for things like installation and routine maintenance. The experts at A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical have years of experience, so don’t hesitate to call us at 402-593-7500 for assistance.
Improving Existing Equipment
The first few tips are about getting the most of your existing HVAC equipment. You’ll be happy to know there’s often room for improvement with things you already have. But before you try anything, consider getting an energy audit of your home. This useful service allows HVAC technicians a chance to evaluate your home’s energy and HVAC needs. They can recommend what equipment, accessories or services will have the biggest impact on your monthly bill.
Keep Up with HVAC Inspections and Routine Maintenance
Routine HVAC maintenance is one of the best investments you can make. Inspections and maintenance allow technicians plenty of time to monitor your heater. They’ll look for damage or signs of component failure. And in the meantime, things are kept clean and well lubricated. Even one visit a year can help improve energy efficiency and protect equipment. And it might even help you avoid air conditioning repair in Omaha, NE, and furnace repair in Omaha.
Stay on Top of Air Filter Replacement
Changing your furnace’s air filter is a quick, easy task. But with furnaces tucked away in utility closets or down in the basement, remembering to do so can be harder than you think. A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical offers a free air filter reminder program that automatically alerts you when it’s time to replace the furnace filter.
Clean and Seal your Ductwork
Your home’s ductwork is vital for evenly distributing heat through your home. But gaps and flaws in the air ducts are also one of the biggest sources of heat loss. What’s more, the collected dust and debris can slow airflow or clog important parts like the air filter or blower motor. A thorough duct cleaning removes dirt and grime, while sealing and insulating the ducts will help retain more heat.
New Energy-Efficient Equipment and Accessories
What if you’re already keeping up with maintenance and existing equipment? While new installation seems counterintuitive to saving on HVAC costs, high-efficiency systems can help save more money in the long run. By adding these things to your home and HVAC system, you could save a lot over the years. Ask us about our specials for air conditioning installation in Omaha, NE, and furnace installation in Omaha, NE!
Installing a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are one of the best innovations in HVAC technology today. These programmable thermostats use intelligent software to track how you prefer to use your HVAC system. It can balance these preferences against the most energy-efficient schedule, and certain models can use other data like the weather and even current electricity prices!
Adding More Home Insulation
Even though most, if not all, homes already have insulation, it may not be enough. For true energy efficiency, adding more insulation can go a long way. The spaces between walls and in drafty rooms like the attic are where a lot of heat is lost. Bolstering insulation here will go the furthest, but adding more throughout your home isn’t a bad idea.
Supplement Your Heating with a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are particularly energy efficient since they transfer heat rather than generate it. A reliable model from a top brand like the Lennox Signature Collection can handle milder winter temperatures, saving your furnace for the worst cold. By installing a heat pump alongside your furnace, your HVAC system will have more options for maintaining warm temperatures indoors.
Other Helpful Tips
After you’ve spruced up existing equipment and invested in new technology, there are still more ways to improve your energy efficiency. These last couple of tips are things you can do on your own. They focus on retaining heat and ensuring it’s evenly distributed in every room of your home.
Reverse Fans for Better Airflow
Most ceiling fans are designed with a switch that reverses the direction they spin. Rather than push air downward, flipping the switch pulls air toward the ceiling. Since heat rises, it’s pushed out against the walls as the air current forms before falling back down. This can even out heat distribution and help fight stubborn cold spots.
Winterize Your Doors and Windows
With glass and small gaps for air to escape, doors and windows are a great place to concentrate your energy-efficiency efforts. Make sure the windows are well sealed with caulk and weather strips. In fact, even adding plastic film over the windows can help trap a larger percentage of heat inside the house. If you’re already considering replacing the windows, look for styles featuring energy efficiency and leave installation to pros who can provide a snug fit.
Call A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical for Effective and Affordable Service
When you need help from trusted technicians to improve your HVAC energy savings, call A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical at 402-593-7500. We have years of experience and a commitment to helping every customer find all available savings.