What are Some Energy Saving Strategies for your HVAC System?
The costs to heat and cool a business in Indianapolis have risen steadily over the past decades. This increase in cost makes it more important for property owners to take steps to improve the efficiency of their HVAC system. Though modern HVAC systems are much more energy efficient than older systems, there are still a number of steps homeowners can take to reduce their energy use.
Zone Heating
In many homes, especially large, multi-floor homes, there are significant temperatures differences from one area to the next. Zone heating (and cooling) is one way to address this problem. Zone heating works by using motorized duct baffles that direct conditioned air into some parts of the home while restricting the air flow into others.
A zone system can be used to address rooms that are too hot or too cold or simply to reduce energy costs by reducing the amount of conditioned air that flows into rooms that are little used.
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways that a homeowner can take control of his or her heating and cooling costs. A programmable thermostat allows a homeowner to adjust the temperature in the home throughout different parts of the day.
By setting the HVAC system to reduce the energy used when the home is empty, significant energy savings can be achieved. For example, a thermostat may be set to allow the home to reach a cooler temperature during winter days when no one is home and to warm the home before the occupants arrive back from work or school.
Duct Insulation
A large amount of energy can be lost through leaking or poorly insulated ducts. The installation of duct insulation will significantly reduce the amount of warm air that is lost in the winter and the amount of cool air that is lost in the summer. This improved efficiency will result in significant energy savings. In addition, duct insulation will reduce the amount of noise the ducts make when the systems kicks on and off and due to expansion and contraction from temperature changes.
Draft Inspection
Drafts in homes cause a significant amount of wasted energy and higher energy bills. Having a home inspected for drafts can be an efficient way to reduce energy consumption. Drafts can be found through visual inspection, the use of non-contact thermometer or via the use of specialized equipment that monitors airflow in the home. Most sources of drafts, such as leaking doors and windows, can be easily fixed and will result in an immediate improvement in Indianapolis home comfort and energy use.
If you are in need of HVAC or related service for your home in Indianapolis, IN or the surrounding area, contact Griesemer Plumbing & Mechanical Service at (317) 881-9536.
