Most homes use both heating and cooling systems during the fall season as the season cools down. This may place an increased strain on your HVAC system — and your energy bills. In today’s post, All Seasons Inc. takes a look at some of the steps recommended by air conditioning and furnace companies can help reduce strain on your HVAC system.
1. Turn up your thermostat. When your air conditioner is on, turning up your thermostat by two degrees can help reduce the required cooling from your AC, which can translate to energy savings. Since outdoor temperatures are gradually dropping during the season, the change in your thermostat settings won’t be noticeable.
2. Use your thermostat’s “auto” setting. Air conditioning companies recommend using the “auto” setting on your thermostat to save energy. When set to “auto,” your air conditioner automatically shuts off when the desired temperature for your home (or room, if it’s a mini-split) is reached. Then it turns back on when the temperature goes back up. This allows your air conditioner to run only when needed.
3. Use your ceiling fan. Some people think ceiling fans shouldn’t be used when the air conditioner is running. However, ceiling fans complement air conditioners because they help distribute cool air evenly. Ceiling fans are typically set to turn counterclockwise to create air currents that pull cool air from the floor, which should be kept when you’re running your air conditioner. As you switch to heating, set your ceiling fan to turn clockwise to push warm air from the ceiling.
4. Clean the outdoor unit regularly. HVAC outdoor units require airflow to expel heat, which means the outdoor enclosure needs to be kept free of leaves and debris that could block airflow and increase the HVAC workload. When cleaning your yard, make sure that you inspect the outdoor unit and remove anything that could be blocking the enclosure. Avoid using a pressure washer as it could damage the outdoor unit.
All Seasons Inc. is one of the most trusted HVAC and electric panel companies serving customers in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, WA, and surrounding communities. Call us at (253) 879-9144, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.