It's tempting to run the heat or AC harder whenever you're uncomfortable, and then wince at the power bill. You don't have to choose between comfort and cost. Most of these tips take little time or money, and several can make a noticeable difference in a single season.
1. Schedule professional maintenance
Regular maintenance is the single best thing you can do for efficiency. Heat pumps run year-round, so they should be serviced twice a year, once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season. If you have an air conditioner with a separate furnace, service the AC in spring and the furnace in fall.
During an Ace tune-up, we clean the coils, flush the condensate drain, check refrigerant and airflow, tighten electrical connections, and test safety controls. A clean, well-adjusted system uses less energy, keeps you more comfortable and is far less likely to break down on the hottest or coldest day of the year.
2. Change your air filter on schedule
A clogged filter chokes airflow, makes the system run longer, and can freeze an AC coil or overheat a furnace. Check standard 1-inch filters every month and replace them at least every one to three months. Homes with pets, allergies or construction dust need more frequent changes. Hold the filter up to a light. If you can't see light through it, replace it.
3. Seal and inspect your ductwork
In many Hampton Roads homes, the air handler and ductwork sit in the attic, where summer temperatures can reach well above 120°F. Leaky, disconnected or crushed ducts dump cooled or heated air into the attic before it reaches your rooms. Sealing and repairing ducts is often one of the best efficiency upgrades available. Have your ducts inspected, and consider professional cleaning if you see heavy dust, mold or signs of pests. See ductwork and air quality.
4. Keep vents and returns clear
Furniture, rugs and curtains blocking supply vents or return grilles restrict airflow and make the system work harder. Every month or two, vacuum the registers and return grilles, and keep at least a few inches of clearance around each one. Don't close vents in unused rooms. It raises duct pressure and can reduce efficiency.
5. Find and seal air leaks
Small gaps around windows, doors, attic hatches and plumbing penetrations let conditioned air escape and humid outdoor air in. Caulk and weatherstripping are inexpensive and easy to apply. Don't forget the attic access door or pull-down stairs, which are often a major leak.
6. Use a smart or programmable thermostat the right way
A smart thermostat can adjust temperatures automatically when you're asleep or away and show you where energy goes. One important note for heat pump owners: large temperature setbacks in winter can trigger expensive backup electric heat when the system recovers. Use modest setbacks of a few degrees, or a thermostat designed for heat pumps that manages auxiliary heat. We can set yours up correctly.
7. Use curtains and blinds strategically
In summer, close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows during the afternoon to block heat gain. In winter, open them on sunny days to let the sun warm your home, then close them at night to hold the heat in. Insulated or thermal curtains make an even bigger difference.
8. Upgrade your attic insulation
Good attic insulation keeps summer heat out and winter warmth in, so your system runs less in both seasons. Many older Hampton Roads homes have less insulation than current recommendations. Adding insulation, and sealing air leaks in the attic floor first, is one of the most cost-effective upgrades for comfort and efficiency.
9. Keep your outdoor unit clean, especially near the water
Your outdoor condenser or heat pump needs to move a lot of air to work efficiently. Keep at least two feet of clearance around it, trim back shrubs, and clear away leaves and grass clippings. If you live near the Oceanfront, the Bay or a river, gently rinse the coil with a garden hose every few months to remove salt buildup. Never use a pressure washer, which can flatten the fins. See salt air and your heat pump.
The bottom line
Most of these tips are simple, and together they can lower your energy bills, improve comfort and extend the life of your system. When you need professional help, whether it's a tune-up, a repair, or honest advice about replacement, call Ace Mechanical at (757) 495-7782. We've kept Hampton Roads homes comfortable for more than 30 years.
Written by the Ace Mechanical team. We've been fixing heating, cooling, refrigeration and plumbing across Hampton Roads for more than 30 years. Questions about your own system? Call (757) 495-7782.
