10 Steps Guide to Reduce your HVAC Energy Consumption

BySavvy Capire

10 Steps Guide to Reduce your HVAC Energy Consumption

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning account for about 48% of the utility bill spent by an organisation or home on energy. You can save energy by making small adjustments to these systems. Follow these 10 simple steps to reduce your HVAC energy consumption.

1.Don’t skip routine maintenance
You should have a proactive maintenance programme for your HVAC system. Fix an annual service with a qualified HVAC service company to make sure that your system is operating at its most efficient settings. Also, ensure the components are in good condition.

2. Operate your HVAC system at stable temperatures
To use energy efficiently, the systems must have optimum temperature ranges. Read the owner’s manual thoroughly to find out the optimum temperature range of your system. Your service technician can also help you find out the most energy-efficient temperature range. Avoid fluctuating temperatures too frequently. For eg. Don’t turn the AC way down on a hot day. It is not good to operate your air conditioning below 24°C. This will make your HVAC system work harder and less efficiently.

3.Stop air infiltration
Most people think about stopping air infiltration only during colder months. Even during hotter months, you should ensure that there are no air leaks. Any air leak will rob your HVAC system of efficiency since the heated or cooled air is lost. Ensure that all the doors and windows are shut. You doors should have good weather seals. Good ventilation is essential, but additional ventilation will lead to wastage of energy.

4. Seal your home
Inadequate insulation can lead to losing heated or cooled air from the HVAC system. You can consult with an insulation professional to check your home’s insulation levels.

5. Set your thermostat
You can save 5 to 15 percent in heating bills each year by setting your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours during the hot season. Lowering set points by just 1°C can potentially reduce your annual heating bill by up to 8%.

6. Change your air filters regularly
HVAC system’s air filters should be changed once a month. This will ensure that your system has smooth, uninterrupted airflow.

7. Block sunrays
Window coverings can have a lot of impact on your home’s heating or cooling load. During winter, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home. Keep the windows closed at night to bring down the chill. The window coverings should remain closed during the day to obstruct the heat from outside.

8. Buy higher efficiency motors
You can gain better savings from a more energy efficient heating system. Always buy higher efficiency motors. They will save you up to 5% on energy costs, for little or no extra capital cost.

9. Install de-stratification fans
De-stratification (blancing temperature) fans can reduce energy use as it gently mix the air using de-stratification from the ceiling to the floor and wall to wall. Also, make sure to switch off these fans when they’re not required.

10. Buy energy efficient products
There are several energy-efficient products currently available in the market. Read energy fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to compare energy usage. A high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) in an air conditioner shows that it is energy efficient.