Helpful Money Saving HVAC Tips

Here are some tips and suggestions you can use to save money on your utility bills, heating and air conditioning equipment, and service.

Set the thermostat

The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.

Keep the air filter clean

The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your Rheem Team dealer where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use.

Keep doors and windows closed

Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result.

Keep vents and grilles unobstructed

Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system, providing more economical operation.

Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans

Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.

Use the AUTO setting

Generally, it is best to set your indoor fan to AUTO position. This costs less and provides better humidity control in the summer. However, if you desire to operate your system with constant air circulation, ask for advice from your certified contractor.

Control direct sunlight

Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the heating load.

Keep the condenser coil clean

The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil clean.

Insulate air ducts

Be sure all air ducts are well-insulated. Ducts should also be sealed with a vapor barrier.

Keep an air tight house

Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks.

Properly vent clothes dryers

Be sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that it is vented away from your outdoor unit.

Keep heat away from the thermostat

Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.

Indoor Air Quality

EPA studies show that even in the smoggiest cities, the air inside most modern homes is
usually at least ten times more polluted than the air outside.

How can this be? There are many reasons, some of which were discovered only recently.
They include invisible assassins like radon and CO2, as well as gas-emitting chemicals like
formaldehyde used in making modern carpeting, drapery, household cleaners, furniture and
building materials. There are also common airborne pollutants such as pollen, viruses, dust
and dust mites and damp areas where standing water can breed mold, mildew and other
microbes.

Much of this problem is attributed to the way modern homes are built—for purposes of energy
efficiency, and to be as air-tight as possible. The consequence is that stale air, laced with
odors, chemicals, irritants – even miniscule insects – often becomes trapped in modern
homes, where it circulates over and over. This can lead to eye irritation, sinus congestion,
sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, colds, flu, headaches, dizziness, outbreaks of allergies and
asthma, sore throats, and various other respiratory ailments.

So serious and prevalent is this issue that environmentalists have coined a new term for it—
IAQ or Indoor Air Quality. Today’s homeowners need to become more aware of the
importance of IAQ and what they can do about it.

Maintenance Tips

Keeping your heating and cooling systems in good working order means your utility bills will be lower, your home will be more comfortable, and you’ll need to call for repairs less often.

 

Maintenance Scheduling
Schedule a maintenance service call before the heating season starts. If there are any problems with your system, it’s better to find out before it’s freezing outside! Do the same for your cooling system before the sweltering season begins.

Filters
Replace your heating and cooling air filters every month that they’re in use. Operating your system with old, dirty filters means energy is wasted and your system may even be damaged. While you’re at it, check and clean the filters in your home’s air cleaners and humidifiers.

System Checks

If you have a steam system, check the shut-off valve for leaks. also flush and test the low water cuttoff once every week.

Bleed hot water system radiators to remove air at least once a year.

Don’t keep clutter near your furnace, boiler, space heater or water heater it’s a fire hazard.

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your heating system, keep the heating registers and vents throughout the house free of dust, dirt, and pet hair by vacuuming them at least once a year.

Listen for odd sounds when your heating or cooling system kicks in. If you hear anything unusual, get in touch with your service professional so you can head off problems before they become serious.

In winter months, set your ceiling fan at its slowest speed and reverse it in order to gently push warm air down from the ceiling without generating a breeze.