Portland Heating and Cooling Solutions

Is Your Heating And Cooling System Efficient? 5 Key Tips

According to the EPA,  more than half of the energy used in a home is dedicated to heating or cooling.  That’s why understanding what you can do to make your heating or cooling system operate more efficiently can make a big difference in your utility bills.  

You may not have to freeze or sweat the small stuff... you follow these tips:

1. Change your air filter regularly.  Check your filter on a regular basis, such as every month. If it looks dirty, you should replace it.  Typically you will want to replace the filter every 3 months.  Clean filters run more efficiently and also will prevent dust, dirt and debris from clogging your air ducts.
2.  Tune your HVAC system annually. Keeping your system maintained is important to the ongoing health of your system. Just like you tune up your car to get better gas mileage, tuning your HVAC system will yield better efficiencies and ultimately will cost less to run.
3. Seal and insulate your heating or cooling ducts.  To improve efficiency and to minimize loss of cooling or heating, it’s a great idea to insulate the ductwork.  Sealing holes using duct tape or metal-backed foil tape will minimize the air escaping. 
4. Install a programable thermostat. IIn most instances, a programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature to reduce heating and cooling during times of the day or week that you are typically not at home or otherwise the system is not needed.  With few exceptions, such as with heat pumps, the programable system can save you energy and therefore reduce energy costs.  It’s a good idea to check with your HVAC professional to learn what type of savings you can anticipate and whether your system would benefit by using a programed thermostat. 
5. Upgrade to more efficient heating and cooling systems.  In the case of an older and less efficient system, it may make sense to update to a new and more efficient system.  Replacing your inefficient system could actually wind up in saving you money, and  there may also be tax credits as well.  Again, it’s a good idea to check with your HVAC professional to learn what type ofsavings you can anticipate with a newer heating or cooling system. 

Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces,  gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.