Energy Star Tips for Having a More Efficient Home

Making sure your HVAC system is working efficiently can have significant benefits for your utility bills and comfort, especially considering almost half of the energy your home uses likely goes for heating and cooling. Here are some Energy Star approved measures you can take to improve the efficiency of your home.

Upgrade to Energy Star certified HVAC Equipment

If you’ve had the same HVAC system for more than 10-15 years, there’s a good chance it might need to be replaced. Contact a professional HVAC contractor to get your system evaluated for efficiency and performance. If you need a new heating or cooling system, consider a unit that is Energy Star approved for maximum savings. The federal government only gives its coveted Energy Star logo to equipment, systems and home upgrades that have passed rigorous standards for performance and efficiency.

Ensure New Equipment Is Installed Properly

If you’re getting a new system installed, it’s essential that you make sure the installation is done properly because a poor job can decrease efficiency by as much as 30 percent. This will mean higher utility bills and a shorter lifespan for the equipment. Proper sizing is especially important.

Get Annual Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System

Scheduling annual professional maintenance will keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently and will spot small problems before they become major ones.

Install New Air Filters Regularly

Air filters need to be checked every month and replaced when dirty, especially when the system is under high load, like in summer and winter. Filters need to be changed at least every three months; otherwise your system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule energy-saving temperature adjustments to match your daily and weekly schedules.

Seal and Insulate Ducts

To maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency, make sure all the ducts in your home are properly sealed to avoid air leaks, and insulated where the ducts run through unconditioned spaces.

To discover more energy-efficiency tips and for other home comfort advice, please contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating. We’ve proudly been helping homeowners in the Martin, Palm Beach and Indian River counties improve their comfort since 1973.