HVAC Energy Efficiency: 10 Tips to Improve Performance
October 18, 2023
Are you tired of seeing your energy bill skyrocket while your home’s comfort remains inconsistent? Or, you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while reducing your carbon footprint? You’re not alone..
HVAC energy efficiency is a critical factor that significantly impacts your comfort, sustainability, and monthly expenses. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to improve HVAC performance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of HVAC energy efficiency, helping you understand what it is and how to improve it with practical tips to boost your HVAC system’s performance. When you are ready, call your local HVAC expert for more information and to discuss potential energy-efficient HVAC upgrades for your home.
What Is HVAC Energy Efficiency?
HVAC—which stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—plays a pivotal role in regulating your home’s temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality. HVAC energy efficiency measures how effectively your system functions while consuming the least amount of energy.
It’s about getting the most out of your heating and cooling system without unnecessarily draining your wallet or harming the environment.
HVAC Energy Efficiency Ratio (ERR)
The HVAC Energy Efficiency Ratio (ERR) is a numerical value that tells you how effectively your HVAC system can cool or heat your home relative to the amount of energy it consumes. A higher ERR translates to reduced energy consumption and environmental impacts, and makes it easier to maintain an ideal temperature throughout your home.
How to Calculate HVAC Energy Efficiency Ratio
Fortunately, calculating your ERR is straightforward. You need two key values to calculate your ERR:
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BTU: BTU, or “British Thermal Unit,” measures how much energy your HVAC system uses to either cool or heat your home within an hour. The BTU value of your particular HVAC system can be found in your system’s manual.
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Wattage: The second value you’ll need is the wattage per hour your HVAC uses to achieve optimal cooling or heating temperatures.
With both values in hand, you divide your BTU by your wattage usage to get the ERR of your HVAC system.
What Is the Most Energy Efficient HVAC System?
Many HVAC systems boast high energy efficiency to help homeowners save more on utility costs while reducing their carbon footprint. The best HVAC system for your home depends on several factors, including your budget and the size of your home.
At Blue Flame, we’re here to help you maximize your HVAC energy efficiency. We can help you choose ideal HVAC systems for new installations or make necessary repairs on existing HVAC systems.
10 Tips to Improve HVAC Energy Efficiency
Significantly improve your HVAC energy efficiency with these ten practical tips:
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Schedule a Tune-Up With an HVAC Professional
If you haven’t had a professional look at your HVAC system in a while, scheduling a professional tune-up will ensure your system is operating at its best, prevent potential issues, and repair any necessary components. Blue Flame’s experienced technicians are here to provide comprehensive tune-up services that help your HVAC system run smoothly year-round.
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Consider Investing in a New System
If your HVAC system is aging and less efficient (or if it doesn’t fit the space of your home), it may be time for an upgrade. Modern systems are designed for energy efficiency, providing better comfort while reducing energy consumption and costly utility bills.
Upgrading to a high-efficiency system can lead to significant long-term energy savings and improved indoor air quality and temperature.
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Make Sure Your Home is Properly Insulated
Proper insulation is essential to prevent heating and cooling loss. Additionally, insulation provides a barrier against fluctuating external temperatures, helping your HVAC system maintain a comfortable indoor environment with minimal effort.
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Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats empower you to create customized temperature schedules. These thermostats automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings to reduce energy consumption. For example, you can program your thermostat to an ideal temperature at home and give your HVAC system a break when you’re working to increase energy savings—without compromising your comfort.
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Use Curtains and Blinds During the Day
Using curtains and blinds strategically can make a big difference in your HVAC system’s workload. Closing them during the hottest part of the day blocks direct sunlight and keeps your home cooler.
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Give Your HVAC Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of HVAC energy efficiency. Maintenance keeps your system running at its best, prevents breakdowns, and catches problems early. We recommend scheduling a service with Blue Flame at the start and end of each season to ensure consistent performance.
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Regularly Change Air Filters
Changing your air filters is a small but impactful step in maintaining HVAC energy efficiency. Clean filters improve airflow and help prevent your system from overworking. Not only can regularly changing filters save energy, but it can help trap dust and allergens.
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Ensure You Have the Right HVAC and Duct Sizes for Your Home
Proper sizing of your HVAC system and ductwork is essential for efficiency. An oversized system may cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy. Conversely, an undersized one will struggle to maintain temperatures. Consult our professionals to ensure your HVAC components are the right size for your home’s needs.
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Clean Gutters and Trim Back Nearby Plants
Overlooking external factors can affect your HVAC energy efficiency. Clean gutters and trimmed nearby plants can prevent debris from obstructing airflow around your outdoor unit, enabling your system to operate optimally.
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Regularly Clean Your Drain Line
A clogged drain line impedes the efficiency of your HVAC’s dehumidification process. Regularly cleaning the drain line ensures excess moisture and debris are removed, reducing the workload on your HVAC system and boosting efficiency.
Furthermore, cleaning your drain line will prevent build-up that could lead to a blocked drain that could flood your basement.
Take Control of Your Comfort, Savings, and HVAC Energy Efficiency
Transform your home into an energy-efficient haven with Blue Flame. Our HVAC experts are ready to help you implement these tips and enhance your comfort while reducing monthly utility expenses.
Plus, we offer several guarantees on repairs and installations, providing more peace of mind. Whether you’re looking to improve your HVAC energy efficiency, need a repair, want an inspection, or need a new system, our special offers can help you save more to keep costs as low as possible.
Contact us today at (206) 388-5667 or schedule an appointment online to start saving and enjoying a more comfortable home.
Last Updated: October 18, 2023