Energy-Efficient HVAC Upgrades: Enhancing Comfort While Reducing Costs

Staying cool in the summer or warm in the winter shouldn’t break your bank account. But, if you don’t have an energy-efficient HVAC system, you’ll end up spending loads and loads of money just to maintain a suitable level of comfort indoors.

There are multiple factors that go into making an HVAC system more efficient. Just a few tiny tweaks and changes to the system you currently have will keep your energy bills manageable. Let’s take a look at the top five ways you can ensure you have an energy-efficient AC unit.

1. Replace the Old Unit

If you have an AC unit past the 10-to-15-year mark, it’s time for an upgrade. Installing a new energy-efficient AC system will save you a significant amount of money over time. Even if the older system is working well, it is undoubtedly costing you much more money to keep it running than a newer, more energy-efficient model would.

But, before you go out and choose the units to have a professional install, you need to understand the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER. This efficiency measurement system is designed to help you distinguish between different levels of efficiency. A trained AC professional can help you select a new model with the best SEER rating for your needs and install it for you.

2. Insulate Your Home

When it comes to home energy efficiency, while the HVAC unit plays a huge part, so does insulation. If your home is not well insulated, air escapes causing the unit to work two, three, four, or even five times as hard to heat or cool your home.

If you already have an energy-efficient HVAC unit, but your energy bills haven’t decreased, you may need the insulation in your home replaced. If the insulation isn’t the problem, then you may need to have the ducts resealed. The bottom line? Make sure the indoor air is staying exactly where it should be — indoors.

3. Keep the Unit Dust and Debris Free

Dirty filters trap dust and debris that clog the airflow and cause the unit to work harder than it should. This ability for dust to clog your unit doesn’t just apply to the air filters, which should be changed regularly. It can also affect your vents’ performance. For example, If you keep your vents closed, dust gets trapped and the airflow is compromised. Keep the vents clean and free of obstructions. Since items like furniture or curtains can block the vents, you’ll also want to ensure no items aren’t preventing air from escaping your vents.

Alongside ensuring your air filters are clean and the vents clear, you can protect your outdoor unit by trimming the plants near it so their growth doesn’t create unwanted moisture inside or on the unit. Don’t allow foliage to get too close to it, and make sure there’s nothing growing under the unit. You can also save energy and money with HVAC maintenance, as cleaning dust and debris from your unit will often be included in an AC tune-up.

4. Keep an Eye on the Thermostat

Check the temperature on the thermostat, and if there’s a huge difference between it and the outdoor temperature, your HVAC unit will be overworked. Whether it’s heating or cooling the home, watch the thermostat to make sure the internal temperature is not dipping too low. Keep life convenient and install a programmable thermostat that will automatically change and adjust the temperature without you having to keep a constant eye on it.  

5. Keep the Drain Line Clear

Something else you can do to keep the HVAC system running at optimal efficiency is to keep the drain line clear of any dirt buildup. If the drain line becomes clogged, there will likely be a backup of water that causes your space to feel humid and muggy.

The moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and rust. The overflow of water can also damage your drywall and floors. Solutions for each of these issues are much more costly than it would be to keep the drain line clean and clear. With regular AC maintenance, you can cut down on the chance of drain line clogs and other issues that reduce a system’s energy efficiency.

Choose Bonney for HVAC Upgrades in Sacramento

If you’re looking for HVAC upgrades near you in Sacramento or the surrounding areas, turn to Bonney. When you need to replace an AC unit, our team can help you remove your old unit, select an energy-efficient model, and install this new model safely and correctly. To ensure our clients can save energy and money with HVAC maintenance, we also offer Bonney Beyond, an annual maintenance plan that provides automatic HVAC inspections and discounts. Additionally, our many coupons and financing services make it possible for you to receive our services at a price that works for you.

Learn more about our air conditioner tune-ups and AC replacement services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.