Ensuring that you’re using the proper thermostat settings and that your ductwork is sealed tight are two of the most important variables for determining heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) efficiency. If these two factors are not up to par, even the most efficient heating and cooling systems are going to underperform.
With that in mind, here are a few tips for setting your thermostat and maximizing the efficiency of your ducts.
Using your thermostat wisely
To start conserving energy and saving money immediately, try experimenting with energy-saving setbacks. Start with your normal temperature preference, and then gradually back off one degree at a time. Give yourself time to adjust to the temperature difference in your home, and make note of when you start to feel a noticeable difference in your comfort. Use this experiment to determine the optimal energy-saving comfort setting to use while you’re in the home.
When you’re not at home, you can really cash in on energy savings by setting back the thermostat 10 to 15 additional degrees. To get the most out of this method, setbacks should last for periods of at least eight hours. You also can apply this tip at night while you and your family are asleep.
Ensuring your ductwork is functioning well
HVAC efficiency depends heavily on the proper function of your duct system. Duct efficiency, meanwhile, depends on several factors:
- Design: The configuration of your duct system can seriously affect pressure and airflow in your home. Duct runs should be as short and direct as possible and located in conditioned spaces. Ideally, returns and registers should be located in every room (save for the kitchen and bathroom).
- Sealing: Duct leaks can cause a significant amount of your conditioned air to end up in places you’d rather not pay to condition. Luckily, most duct leaks are easily repaired using metal tape and duct mastic. You may need to hire an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) professional to inspect and seal ducts that are located behind walls or your ceiling. An HVAC professional has the specialized tools necessary to reach these out-of-the-way spaces.
- Insulation: It’s not always possible to locate ducts in conditioned spaces, so the best way to prevent energy waste in areas such as the attic or crawl space is to insulate your ducts.
If you’d like more tips for improving HVAC efficiency in your home, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning — serving residential and commercial customers in the Twin Cities metro area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!