If you live in Calgary, you know that we deal with dry, freezing winters and hot, sunny summers. Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems are crucial to keeping you comfortable during these extremes in our climate. Your furnace and air conditioner move air between indoor and outdoor areas, keeping you warm during the winter and cool in the summer. They also help to improve indoor air quality to keep you healthy and maintain a comfortable level of humidity.
Your home’s heating and cooling systems are essential for Calgary’s climate. However, HVAC systems use a lot of energy. This means you might be paying high monthly utility bills while also having harmful effects on the environment.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to be more sustainable. In this post, we’re going to discuss energy-efficient HVAC solutions for Calgary’s climate.
What are the benefits of an energy-efficient HVAC system?
- Saves Money – By using less energy, you can significantly cut down on the cost of your monthly utility bills.
- Less Emissions – Cutting down on carbon emissions is essential for our climate. Sustainable solutions are more eco-friendly and better for the environment.
- Better Indoor Air Quality – A well-optimized HVAC system ensures the right balance of ventilation, temperature, and humidity, resulting in improved indoor air quality. Air quality is important for the health of you and your family.
- Extend the Lifespan of your Unit – An efficiently running HVAC system means less stress on your units, extending their lifespan. This can save you money on frequent repairs and replacements and also helps to reduce waste.
What are some energy-efficient HVAC solutions?
Invest in Smart HVAC Technology
As technology continues to evolve, so do the fields of heating and cooling. Now, you can invest in smart programmable thermostats that you can operate and control through your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to create a personalized schedule based on your needs. Homeowners can set specific temperatures based on their daily routines, work schedules, or bedtime, allowing the HVAC system to work more efficiently when you and your family are present and reducing energy when the house is unoccupied. Or, you can adjust your thermostat from your phone or tablet from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. Did you forget to turn off your AC before leaving on a summer vacation? No problem! You can turn it off from your phone while you’re away, and turn it back so your home is cool for your return. By optimizing your HVAC system to suit your schedule, smart thermostats can help reduce energy consumption and save you money.
Minimize Overuse
Overoperation of your HVAC units significantly increases energy consumption. You can turn your air conditioner or furnace down when the home is unoccupied, for example, if you are at work during the day, or otherwise away from the home. (As we’ve mentioned in the above tip, investing in smart HVAC can set your schedule for you.)
Everyone’s temperature preferences are different and the purpose of your heating and cooling systems is to keep you comfortable, especially when the outdoor weather is extreme. However, try not to blast your AC or furnace at maximum capacity, all day long. Instead, try other ways to control your temperature. For example, in the winter you can wear a sweater and enjoy a hot tea, or in the summer wear cooler clothing. Doing this will save energy and cut costs on your monthly bills.
Weatherproof Your Home
Poor insulation, gaps in windows and doors, or leaky ducts can lead to significant energy loss. Insulation acts as a barrier between the inside and outside of your home, locking in cool air during the summer and warm air in the winter. Insulate your walls and attics, seal any gaps and cracks around windows and doors, and seal and insulate any ducts. Weatherproofing your home can drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Clean Your Filters
Dirty, clogged filters force your HVAC units to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, using more energy and producing higher utility bills. You should aim to clean your furnace or air conditioner filters every one to three months.
Upgrade to a More Energy-Efficient Model
Many of today’s HVAC units are designed to be more energy-efficient than older models. If your furnace or air conditioner is over 10 years old or needs constant air conditioning repair, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Upgrading to an energy-efficient model can significantly cut down on your energy usage, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, addressing issues like sewer pipe bursting in your home’s infrastructure ensures that your entire system operates efficiently, contributing to overall energy savings and a healthier home environment.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Your HVAC systems will operate more efficiently when regularly serviced by a qualified technician. Annual preventative maintenance includes a thorough inspection, cleaning, and any necessary repairs, so you won’t be left with a broken furnace or air conditioner when you need it the most! Regular maintenance extends the life of your heating and cooling systems and ensures that your units are running as efficiently as possible.
In Calgary, our heating and cooling systems are extremely important. For all your HVAC needs or to schedule your maintenance appointment, contact us today at Mr. Mike’s Plumbing and Heating.
