HVAC Energy Saving Tips

Incorporate the Whole HVAC System into Your Energy-Saving Strategy

October 19, 2016

Saving energy around your greater Des Moines home doesn't always have to involve major projects or appliance upgrades. There are plenty of simple tasks you can incorporate into your energy-saving strategy to make your home more efficient, comfortable, and healthful. One of the best systems to start with is the one that uses the most energy — your HVAC system.

Easy Energy Savings

Your heating and cooling system needs free airflow across its components and, also, through the living spaces of your home. The following tips for energy savings can help prevent your HVAC units from getting bogged down.

  • Filter: Don't let your air filter get clogged with dirt and grime, or you may be using up to 10 to 12 percent more energy to cool and heat your home.
  • Thermostat settings: Set the thermostat to 76 degrees during the cooling months (COOL mode) and 68 degrees during the heating months (HEAT mode).
  • Ceiling fans: Use your ceiling fans to feel cooler without lowering your thermostat setting.
  • Vents: When you clean your home, make sure you wipe off the vents and grilles.
  • Living spaces: Closed doors block airflow from vents to the grilles, unless each room has a return grille. Leave doors open or use transfer grilles in the doors or walls.

Advanced Tips

The following tips require a little more effort and skill. Ask your HVAC technician to do these tasks if you don't think you can handle them.

  • Coils: The indoor and outdoor coils on your central air or heat pump can become caked with dirt and grime if they're not cleaned each year. Spray and wipe them with foaming coil cleaner and soft cloths.
  • Blower: Clean the blower assembly with a can of compressed air and soft cloths. Before you clean the blower and the coils, make sure power is turned off at the circuit box!
  • Air sealing: Lighten the load on your HVAC system by sealing air leaks at exterior doors, windows, and the attic hatch with caulk and weatherstripping.

For more energy savings tips for your Des Moines home, contact Lozier Heating & Cooling today!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).