Are you looking for ways to reduce your household’s expenses and carbon footprint? Here are five tips to help you make your home more energy efficient, thereby lowering the cost of your heating and cooling bills.
1. Book regular service calls
It’s recommended that you have your heating and cooling units inspected by a qualified HVAC technician at least once a year. During these visits, the technician will clean components and make any necessary repairs to ensure the system runs optimally. This will help your HVAC system use less energy, reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns and extend its lifespan.
2. Clean the ducts annually
Similarly, you should have your home’s ventilation system (which includes the ducts, vents and registers) inspected annually by a professional. An HVAC technician will look for leaks and blockages that can significantly reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, thereby increasing the cost of running them and the risk of premature wear.
3. Replace the air filters
Over time, the air filters in your furnace and air conditioner accumulate dust and other debris that circulates through your home’s ventilation system. This can create blockages that decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system. To ensure your heating and cooling units run optimally, be sure to replace or clean their air filters every three months.
4. Seal any air leaks
If drafts are being let in around your windows and doors, your heating and cooling systems will have to work harder to regulate the temperature inside your home. Check for air leaks, and add caulking or replace old weatherstip where needed to properly seal your doors and windows. Depending on their condition, you might want to consider upgrading to more energy efficient models.
5. Invest in window coverings
Installing blinds, solar shades or thick curtains is a simple way to lower the cost of running your HVAC system. During the summer, these window coverings can be used to block out heat from the sun so that your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. Conversely, in winter, you can let the sun warm your home during the day and cover the windows at night to retain the heat.
Affordable HVAC services in the Calgary area
Whether your furnace is due for its annual inspection or your air conditioner is making unusual noises, the team at Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning can help. In addition to our comprehensive maintenance services, we offer 24/7 emergency repair services for residential and commercial clients throughout the Calgary area. Contact us today to get a free, no-obligations quote.