The heating load of your home represents the energy needed to keep it comfortable. The lower the load, the less stress on your HVAC system and pocketbook. Lowering your home's heating demand is best accomplished with a process that includes reducing heat loss, modifying your habits and HVAC preventive maintenance.
Reducing Heat Loss
Your home's heat loss occurs through air leaks and heat conduction through the envelope. Plug the air leaks and heat conduction, and you're going to notice a big difference in your energy bills for the better.
- Air sealing:Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal leaky windows, entry doors and the hatch to your attic.
- Insulation:Attic insulation is vital to prevent heat transfer to and from the living spaces. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation should be at least 12-inches deep.
- Window treatments:Shades, layered curtains, energy-efficient curtains and insulating panels substantially curb window heat loss.
Efficiency and Comfort Tips
Using energy-saving settings on your thermostat doesn't lower the heating load. However, it is an effective way to reduce HVAC stress and your energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat:Program energy-saving temperatures during work and sleep hours with a programmable thermostat for automatic savings and comfort.
- Ceiling fans:Ceiling fans set to low setting and pulling air up to the ceiling helps circulate heated airflow better for greater comfort. (Reverse the fan direction to reduce summertime cooling costs.)
Preventive Maintenance
When the parts and components of your HVAC system aren't working efficiently, you're wasting energy and stressing the system as a whole. Make sure to schedule HVAC preventive maintenance in the fall and spring to tune up your heating and cooling systems. Making sure combustion parts and the heat exchanger are clean boosts heating efficiency and home safety, too.
Moreover, your HVAC technician can inspect the ductwork to seal any duct leaks and repair damage that further burdens your HVAC system and pocketbook.
For a professional evaluation to reduce the heating load in your South Bay Peninsula home, contact Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical. Visit our website for in-depth information on most HVAC topics, or just give us a call at (408) 868-5500.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz areas of California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).