It’s no secret that many HVAC systems use a lot of electricity. The process of changing the temperature of the air is energy-intensive. While there will always need to be some sort of energy input for you to keep your Amherst home comfortable, the good news is that you can limit the amount of electricity that’s used and make your HVAC system more environmentally friendly. By following a few simple steps from Heatwave Heating & Cooling, you can be well on your way to reducing your environmental impact.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the single best tools in reducing the energy usage of an HVAC system. By instructing your system when to turn off and on, you can ensure that your air conditioner or furnace doesn’t run longer than necessary.
Therefore, if you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, it’s a great idea to look into getting one that will work for your home. If you already have a programmable thermostat installed, it’s vital that you ensure you’re using it correctly. Make sure that you have it programmed to turn the system off when you’re not home so that your system doesn’t run unnecessarily.
At Heatwave Heating & Cooling, we recommend against using the “hold” button on your thermostat unless it’s absolutely necessary. This feature causes your HVAC system to run fairly frequently, even when you aren’t home.
Consider Your System Configuration
If it’s getting close to the time for a new HVAC unit, you may want to consider getting a different type of system that’s more energy efficient. Geothermal heat pumps, for example, use less energy than traditional HVAC systems because they utilize refrigerant that’s heated and cooled by the ground to keep your home comfortable.
You can also consider using a ductless mini-split system. These smaller systems are designed to heat and cool only one room in a home. Since they don’t require any ductwork, they are easier and less expensive to install. Plus, since they are smaller, they are far less expensive to operate than a whole-home HVAC system.
Keep Your System Maintained
Another crucial piece in the HVAC energy-efficiency puzzle is proper maintenance. This includes both maintenance that you do yourself and maintenance that a professional performs annually.
Do-it-yourself maintenance tasks include changing your air filter, keeping the area around your compressor free from debris, keeping your condensate drain pipe clean and regularly inspecting all visible parts of your system to check for any irregularities.
When Heatwave Heating & Cooling comes to your home to perform maintenance, a technician will clean and lubricate all of the essential components, check the refrigerant pressure and test all electrical connections, among other tasks. Keeping your air conditioner maintained helps it to run more efficiently and last longer, both of which are good for the environment.
Use a Ceiling Fan
Another great way to limit your HVAC system’s energy usage is to use a ceiling fan. In the summer, you can use a ceiling fan in rooms that you occupy to help the air feel cooler on your skin. Since the air feels cooler, you won’t feel the need to run the air conditioner as often.
In the winter, you can reverse the direction of your ceiling fan so that the air that’s at the ceiling is circulated down into the rest of the room. Since heat rises, this can be a great way to recover lost heat produced by your furnace.
Call in the Professionals
No matter what the weather’s like outside, you can count on Heatwave Heating & Cooling to be there to help you keep your HVAC system operating optimally. We want you to have a comfortable home that’s also gentle on the environment. That’s why our expert technicians can take care of any and all furnace and air conditioner repairs, maintenance and new system installations.
We can also help you save energy by installing tankless water heaters. These devices are great for green homes because they don’t waste energy while maintaining water temperatures. Instead, they produce hot water when it’s needed, meaning that you can enjoy nearly limitless hot water in your home. We can also install air purifiers to improve the quality of your home’s air.
At Heatwave Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to be your source for eco-friendly solutions. To learn more about the various services we provide in Amherst, NY, contact us today.
