Myrtle Beach HVAC Energy Savings Tips

This time of year our energy bills are usually lower since we are not using the heating or cooling systems in our homes.  However, the weather will soon be turning cooler and we will be starting up our heating systems. HVAC Myrtle Beach has a few tips on how to reduce your electricity bill and still stay warm. It is estimated that up to 40% of your electric bill is a direct result of your HVAC system.  The heating and air system of your home is what keeps you and your family comfortable, so it is important that it is well maintained. Not only is your comfort important but also your health. Many allergies are aggravated or started by a HVAC’s ventilation system is not working properly. Let’s take a look at ways to reduce the cost of energy while at the same time not sacrificing the environment. These steps can also increase the performance of your HVAC system.  This information will help homeowners, property management companies and business owners.

Load Reduction For HVAC

This is a long-range plan to reduce the loss of energy by fully optimizing the overall load of your system.  This will allow your system to run more efficiently.  Here are some common strategies:

• Adding insulation to your existing structure.  This will eliminate heat loss through the walls, floor, and attic.
• Energy efficient windows. If you still have single pane windows, you will definitely want to consider an upgrade.  Double pane windows provide a thermal break that will be a great return of your investment. Purchasing windows that tilt in for washing can also be a great time saver and keep your home looking good while at the same time increasing comfort.
• Upgrade your lighting system.  This applies primarily to a commercial building where you need to maintain proper levels of light. Cooling a building can be difficult if improper lighting is used; by upgrading your lighting, you reduce the load on the HVAC system.

If you are replacing a major appliance such as a refrigerator, consider selecting one with a power saver option. These options will reduce the heat gain in the area where they are located.  Look for this feature when you replace a computer or in the case of a business, a copy machine. Newer HVAC systems can control ventilation by balancing the outside air.  If you have an older home with an older system, you may want to consider replacing your HVAC system with a newer energy efficient system. Over time, the new system can easily pay for itself.

HVAC Systems

Knowing your system is the next step in achieving energy efficiency.  An HVAC system for residential use should last around 15 years.  You will want to have a plan to replace your system when the time comes that it fails. Find someone you can trust.  Do your homework in advance and find an HVAC company with a good reputation. A good starting point is to call a local company for an annual inspection before you have a problem.  They can clean the air ducts, change the filter, and give your system a good going over. Have your HVAC Company inspect your system load. Do you have the right size unit for your home?  Have you added on to your home?  This will change the load requirements of your system.  Keep in mind that this is a situation where bigger is not better.  Confirm that the size is correct for the square footage of your home. If you need to purchase new equipment, make sure that it is energy efficient. A good energy efficient HVAC system may cost more initially, but it will pay for itself over time.  Always ask for advice from a heating and cooling specialist before purchasing any new system. In commercial applications, you will want to consider energy recovery in any new system.  This is where air that is exhausted from a building can be used to condition the fresh air that is coming in. You have already paid to condition this air, so reusing some of this energy should be a priority. When installing a new system, always use a programmable thermostat. The average family can save $180 a year by using a programmable thermostat with their HVAC system.

Operation and Maintenance for HVAC

One of the most important steps in energy efficiency is with operation and maintenance.  A well-maintained HVAC system will save you time and money by extending the life of your system.

1. Find a qualified HVAC specialists that you can rely on no matter what time of day or night they are needed.  Keep a record of the date and maintenance done.  This comes in handy when it comes time to sell your home.
2. Get a seasonal checkup. The requirements of your system and its load will change based on the time of year.
3. Replace the air filters on your system on a regular basis.  Ask your HVAC specialist what type of filter is best for your system.
4. Clean the coils of your system regularly.  Because they are outside, condenser coils will collect debris and dirt on the surface which forces the compressor to work harder and will increase the refrigerant temperature.  Heating and evaporator coils are found inside your home and they, too, will collect dust.  Be sure and clean coils at least once a year.  This is often included in an annual maintenance contract from your HVAC specialist.

By optimizing your overall HVAC system and making sure it is well maintained, you will save money and increase the life expectancy of your system.

Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling for your HVAC maintenance or replacement.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

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