Sunday, May 5, 2013

Using Tips For HVAC Harrisburg Residents Cut Costs

By Mona Moody


Keeping homes at a comfortable temperature is one of the greatest expenses in the budget of many homes. By following a few tips to increase the energy efficiency of their home HVAC Harrisburg residents can reduce their budget. The following steps can help to get started.

Change the filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict air flow through the ducts in the home. This prevents the heating or cooling created in the unit from being distributed to the rest of the house. During summer months, it can lead to icing of the cooling coils that prevents all air from flowing through the system and can cause damage. Changing the filters protects the system from dirt buildup and can help to keep the air in a home cleaner.

Another money saving change is replacing older thermostats with programmable ones. The newer controllers are more accurate than the older ones. The programmable feature allows temperatures to automatically be raised or lowered when the home is unoccupied. The new thermostat then starts heating or cooling as needed before occupants return home to a comfortable temperature.

During the summer, use fans to allow the thermostat to be raised to a higher setting. When the air is moving, occupants may be comfortable at settings of 78 or higher. During the winter, ceiling fans can be reversed to prevent stale, hot air from building up at the ceiling and keeps temperatures consistent throughout the room for greater comfort. Fans should be turned off when leaving a room.

Make appropriate use of exhaust fans. They help to eliminate odors from the bath and kitchen. They are also useful at preventing buildup of moisture in the laundry, kitchen or bath. However, once they have run for about ten minutes, they should be turned off to prevent pulling of conditioned air from the home.

Have the system maintained regularly. Regular maintenance can prevent system breakdowns in the future. It also helps to ensure the unit is operating at maximum efficiency. The technician will clean all the coils that are essential for efficient operation and balance the refrigerant levels. Maintenance can extend the life of the system and help to reduce the cost of operating it.

Consider installing a newer and more efficient system. Heat pumps and furnaces built before the year 2000 are less efficient than models being built today. If a system has been neglected for years or is in need of major repair, this may be the ideal time to make a replacement. Sometimes there are tax incentives or other major rebates for homeowners who install Energy Star rated appliances in their home that can help with the cost of replacement.

Today, it seems as if most consumers are looking for ways that could reduce household expenses. By following a few simple steps that are designed to help increase efficiency of their HVAC Harrisburg residents can lower the cost of heating and cooling a home. It is possible for them to remain comfortable so they do not need to spend additional money in order to operate the unit in summer or winter.




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