Energy Efficiency Tips

Whether you're heating or cooling your home's interior, you want to ensure that as much of the air as possible is staying inside the structure. Below, you'll find some tips to help with energy efficiency so that you can stay comfortable year-round without seeing exorbitant utility bills.

Replace the Air Filters

Filter replacement is essential. Fiberglass filters, which are the cheapest, last 30 days while pleated filters, which are the most appropriate for homes, last 60 to 90 days. What do filters have to do with energy efficiency? They allow for smooth airflow, for one thing. Without this, the unit will be forced to work harder to reach your set point. That raises the bills and shortens the unit's life span. Constricted air flow can also cause your air conditioner's evaporator coil to freeze, which means lukewarm air in the summer.

Clean the Compressor

Another AC-specific tip is to clean the outdoor compressor once in a while. This unit can collect dirt and become clogged with leaves and lint from a nearby dryer vent, which will prevent the compressor coil from releasing the heat absorbed through the evaporator coil.

Program the Thermostat

Your unit may perform just fine, but now you want to ensure that it turns on only when necessary. This means programming the thermostat so that the unit works less while you're asleep or away. In summer, you can remain comfortable enough with a thermostat setting of 78 degrees; in winter, anything over 68 degrees would be overkill.

Seal Up Any Cracks

Drafts in your windows and doors can allow cool air to seep out in summer and cold air to enter in winter. Seal these up using a variety of weatherstripping materials like foam tape and vinyl or metal strips.

Maintenance from a Professional Company

Located in Radford, VA, and serving homes since 1986, New River Heating & Air can make your home more energy-efficient through biannual maintenance. Duct cleaning is another specialty of ours, which can contribute to a smoother airflow. You can also rely on us for cooling or heating installation or repair. Besides that, we install generators and tankless water heaters. To learn more, simply give us a call today.