Homeowners are almost always looking for ways to make their homes energy-efficient. Either knowingly or unknowingly, most people try to cut down the utility bills or that makes us energy efficient.
There comes a time when your HVAC system is no more energy-efficient. It may be due to its age, poor installation, damages, or improper size. If you keep on living with such a system be prepared to pay more bills for poor cooling efficiencies.
Experts suggest updating or replacing the HVAC system at your earliest. If you haven't been in touch with the latest updates and their benefits, we have got you covered. Our team of experts has created a list of new ways to update your HVAC system. If you find any of them confusing or got some questions, feel free to give us a call.
Let us dive into the details.
1. Install An HEPA Filter
Every air conditioning system has some sort of filter in it. The filter is used to clean air pulled from the outdoors before heating or cooling. There are various options when it comes to choosing filters.
The efficiency of the filter is measured on a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale of 1–20. The higher the number, the better the air filter traps particulate matter. You don’t have to find the filter with the highest MERV value but find a fine balance.
Overly restrictive filters can also affect the energy efficiency of your system. The recommended MERV value for most of the HVAC units is between 5 and 10.
Hire professionals to upgrade your system so it can handle high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. When your HVAC system cannot work well with the HEPA filter, consider buying whole-home air filters.
Also Read: A guide on how to install an AC unit in a sliding window
2. Assess The Condition Of Ductwork
The ductwork plays an essential role in the distribution of hot and cold air. It may not be directly associated with heating or cooling the air but the efficiency of an HVAC system greatly depends on it. Ductwork is a network of thin metals distributed in your house walls.
A lot of homeowners never get to check the ductwork as it concealed in the walls. As time goes by, the ductwork can become dirty, loose, or damaged. It could be housing a pest infestation without you even knowing it.
The leaks and breaks can seriously affect the cooling and energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Hire professionals to check the ductwork and get it repaired. The simple upgrade cans significantly improve the performance of the HVAC system.
3. Upgrade To HVAC Zones
Agreeing to a common temperature in all parts of the home is challenging. Everybody has unique tolerance levels and if you have to compromise on indoor temperature, the whole point of the HVAC system is lost.
If you want to make things right and comfortable for everybody, it is best to upgrade to HVAC zones. You have to turn to ductwork for that. Most of the houses have a single ductwork system. The whole home is set at the same temperature but still, you get some hot and cold zones.
The distance traveled by the air results in temperature inconsistencies in the home. Upgrade to HVAC zones to set multiple sections of your home in different settings.
4. Get A Programmable Thermostat
One of the best HVAC upgrades is to get a programmable thermostat. If you are experiencing less than optimal results due to your manual thermostat, it is best to replace it. The programmable thermostats are much more efficient with their amazing custom settings and features.
They are precise in their communication with the HVAC unit so there are fewer chances of energy being wasted. The best thing about programmable thermostat is that it can be controlled with a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. When you are out of your home you can manage the temperature settings.
A lot of people prefer switching on the systems a few minutes before they enter the house so they step into a comfortable environment.
5. Install A Dehumidifier
Well, not all the upgrades pertain directly to the HVAC system. Making a few changes outside your system can also be an upgrade for it. If you live in an area with very high humidity, installing a high-quality dehumidifier can be a smart decision. It not only improves the cooling efficiency of your HVAC system but prevents it over failure.
6. Improve Air Movement
Installing fans in your home can help improve air movement. It can make a big difference in weather comfort in your home.
Moreover, it always pays off to invest in air sealing your home. Give us a call to discuss these upgrades for your home. Our professionals are more than happy to help you with their expertise.
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