It’s 2020, and we want to start your New Year (and new decade) off right by helping you save money on your HVAC expenses. Follow these tips and you can see reduced costs and improved efficiency all year long!
Our first money-saving tip is something you should NOT do this winter. An oft-heard tip for winter is to close off vents to unused spaces, to improve the airflow to other rooms. But, you shouldn’t do this for the following reasons:
It doesn’t improve efficiency.
No matter how many vents you have open or closed, your HVAC system will produce the same amount of air. This means that if you have a vent closed off, the pressure of that airflow will have to travel somewhere else. It could mean that the air travels inefficiently to another part of the house, or it could even push the air into leaks in your ductwork. Most homes have small duct leaks, but this additional pressure could open them even further.
It doesn’t save money.
The inefficiency created by closing vents could make your HVAC system work harder to regulate the airflow, which will cost you money in the long run. It could also cost you money in repairing duct leaks that are further opened by the additional pressure.
Your equipment could also be affected; the evaporator coil may not get the appropriate amount of air for the expected temperature and pressure of the system. When this happens, the coil could become coated in a block of ice, leading to costly repairs for both that part and the entire HVAC system.
The best DIY improvement is a programmable thermostat.
If you want to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system yourself, then start with your thermostat. A programmable thermostat is a great way to set the temperature to regulate based on your schedule. A smart thermostat can even monitor your coming and going without youhaving to take time to set a schedule. Beyond your thermostat, any additional efficiency improvements should be made by your trusted technicians at Lindstrom.
If you have other questions about improving HVAC efficiency, or you are ready to schedule your semiannual visit, give us a call at (800) 813-1824 today!