Besides being your home’s largest appliance, the HVAC system also uses the most energy. Unless you generate your own, it’s also responsible for the lion’s share of your energy bills that are easy to trim through affordable home improvements and system maintenance.

Improve Energy Efficiency

The first place to start improving your air conditioner’s performance is by lowering the cooling load. An energy efficient home requires less cooling and if yours lacks insulation, leaks air, or has inefficient windows, your air conditioner will have to work harder.

A visual inspection of the attic will reveal how much insulation you have and its condition. The Department of Energy recommends at least 10 inches for this climate, and more is better than less.

Moldy or compressed insulation isn’t as effective and should be replaced.

Discover the air leaks by conducting an energy audit using a burning stick of incense. Close all the exterior doors and windows and walk through your home. Wavering smoke indicates an air leak, typically found around windows and exterior doors. Recessed lights are another common place for air leakage.

Thermal or Energy Star windows will cut HVAC costs year-round, but if they’re not in the budget, consider using shade screens or insulating drapes on sunny windows.

Maintain It

Nothing adds more efficient performance to your HVAC system than having it professionally maintained. The technician will go through the entire system, cleaning and adjusting the parts.

Measuring the refrigerant is a routine part of an annual service and adjusting it makes a big difference in how well the system runs.

Between professional servicing, check the air filter monthly and change it when it’s dirty. A dirty filter is the primary cause of high energy bills and premature system breakdowns. The outdoor condenser needs periodic attention, as well. Hose off the coils and remove any debris that collects around it.

Giving the HVAC system the attention it needs and creating a more energy efficient home will improve its performance, along with its longevity. To learn more, contact Powers Heating & Air, proudly serving Peachtree City homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.

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