Expert HVAC Tips to Keep Your System Running Like New
Your comfort and the performance of your HVAC system depend on many different factors. At Colonial Heating & Cooling, we want you to make informed decisions and increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. That’s why oThat’sC experts have put together this guide of important HVAC tips to help you save energy.
Find the Right Contractor
Look for a contractor with several years of experience who is licensed and insured to perform HVAC installation and repair work. Ask for a written contract for all work. The contractor should provide his/her certification for refrigerant handling. Expect the contractor to spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. Both you and the contractor should sign a written proposal before the work begins.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps make it easy to save by offering pre-programmed settings to regulate your home’s temperature in both summer and winter—when you are home, asleep, or away. The pre-programmed settings are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Through proper use of a programmable thermostat, you can save about $180* every year in energy costs. Save more energy and money by adjusting your thermostat when using your ceiling fan to let the fan take over some of the heating and cooling duties.
*The $180 savings assumes a typical, single-family home with a 10-hour daytime setback of 8°F in winter and setup of 7°F in summer, an 8-hour nighttime setback of 8°F in winter and a setup of 4°F in summer.
Seal and Insulate
Ducts circulate air from the furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump throughout the house. Often, ducts have damage or poor connections that leak hot or cold air and waste a lot of energy. Ask your contractor to seal and insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces such as an attic or crawlspace. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent.
Properly Size & Install Your System
Bigger is not always better. A system actually operates best when each component is properly sized. Oversized equipment may cycle on and off more frequently, making the home less comfortable and shortening the life of the equipment. Ask your contractor to take measurements of your home and calculate the appropriate size for your A/C, furnace, or heat pump. As part of a proper installation, a certified technician should:
- Install equipment in accessible areas for easy maintenance.
- Test for adequate air ow and verify that the system has been charged with the correct refrigerant level in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Conduct a combustion safety test after ducts are sealed to be sure all gas- or oil-burning appliances are working properly.
- Replace indoor and outdoor coils for maximum efficiency.
Common Terms You Might Hear
When it comes to HVAC, there are a lot of acronyms thrown around that you might not be familiar with. The following terms describe the energy-efficiency of different types of heating and cooling systems:
- AFUE: The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is the percentage of the heat in the fuel your furnace or boiler uses that actually heats your home.
- EER: The energy efficiency ratio (EER) is how efficiently your unit cools your home when it’s 95° F oit’sde, or for geothermal, at any time.
- SEER: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is how efficiently your unit cools your home at a variety of outside temperatures.
- HSPF: The heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) is how efficiently your heat pump heats your home at a variety of outdoor temperatures.
Choose Colonial for Top-Quality HVAC Services
At Colonial Heating & Cooling, we have over 50 years of experience providing heating and cooling services to the residents of Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Westland, Livonia, and the surrounding areas. You can trust our team to ensure your HVAC system is properly sized and installed and taken care of over its lifespan with our range of services. From repairs and maintenance to system installations and replacements, our team can do it all.
Contact Colonial today to schedule heating or air conditioning services in Plymouth or the surrounding areas.