Keeping your house comfortable during the winter months is a must, but it doesn’t have to include a massive spike in your energy bills. Figuring out energy-efficient solutions for Denver heating will chop down those heating costs, and keep everybody in the right temperature throughout the chilly winter season.

Of course, we can all dress warmer during the winter, but your HVAC system should Performing some simple preventative maintenance and checking things out around your house, there are a number of ways to improve the energy efficiency around your home. Getting into these habits can be good practice for when the weather gets warmer, as well.

Check For Gaps & Cracks

The first thing you can do to make your home more energy efficient is to make sure you’re not letting any of that warm air get left out in the cold. Start by checking your insulation, which should be consistent throughout the walls and around the windows to make sure there isn’t any heat loss. Also be sure to check the attic to ensure there aren’t any gaps in the coverage, as well. Your insulation is the first line of defense against heat loss, so it’s imperative that’s in place first.

Once you know your insulation is set, be sure to check for any gaps or cracks in your windows, doors, and walls. Cold air can often breach the home through gaps around these areas, so get those gaps sealed as soon as possible. Weatherstripping can also be beneficial in sealing gaps. Another place to check is your hot water pipes. Insulating these pipes can prevent heat loss as water travels from the water to the faucet.

Inspect Your HVAC System

You furnace is responsible for delivering heat throughout your home, and it’s important to check it out – especially if it hasn’t been used since the previous winter. It’s good practice to replace or clean your HVAC filters every month. Clogged filters make your HVAC system work harder than it has to, which means it’s taking up more energy. It’s also recommended to schedule annual maintenance for your heating system to ensure it’s running properly.

You can also check to see that every room is getting the proper amount of heat, because that can indicate something might be amiss with your system. Along those same lines, closing the doors and vents in rooms that aren’t frequently used will concentrate the heat in the areas you want. You can also consider investing in energy-efficient appliances. These will save you more money long-term, especially if your current HVAC system is getting up there in age.

Getting the most from your furnace during the winter will help get more money in your pocket and keep you whole family warm throughout your home. There are a number of ways to be more energy efficient. For more helpful tips, reach out to the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home and family comfortable. There are a lot of things in the air we breathe, and your air conditioner also filters out various particles and contaminants as they circulate through your HVAC system. Dust and dirt, pollen, pet dander, and smoke are just a few of the things that your AC filter pulls out of the air to make the air pumped throughout your home that much healthier.

It’s easy to forget about your air filter. The Colorado climate can be pretty mild, and if your unit is efficient enough, you can go long periods of time without even considering what’s happening with your HVAC system. However, with Denver air conditioning, there are a number of factors that can play into the frequency in which the filters need to be changed.

Different Type of Filters

One of the main factors that will determine how often you replace your AC filter are what type of filter you’re using. There are a few different kinds of filters out there, and each one of them has a different lifespan. Most disposable filters (your standard 1-3 inch filters) will generally last 1-3 months. However, if you have allergies, live in a dusty area, or have pets, you may want to change them every 1-2 months.

Another option are washable and reusable filters. These need to be cleaned to maintain their effectiveness, and most of these can last a long time if washed every 1-3 months. The top-rated filters on the market are high-efficiency filters – also known as HEPA- or HERV-rated filters. These are effective at trapping small particles and allergens, and often don’t need to be replaced for six months to a year. Those are more expensive, but might be necessary depending on the air quality and usage in your home.

How Much Are You Running the AC?

The other major factor that can impact the lifespan and effectiveness of your filter is the amount of usage. This can depend on a number of variables, as well. How much of a workout your AC unit is getting everyday can depend on things like the size of your home, the number of occupants in your home, whether or not you have pets, if there’s smoking in the home, or other environmental factors like pollen or dust.

One or more of these factors can cut down on the effectiveness of your filter, simply because it has to work harder to keep up with things. In order to determine the optimal schedule for cleaning your AC filters, it’s good practice to check the filter regularly. If the filter looks dirty or clogged, it’s time to either replace it or clean it.

A dirty filter can drastically decrease your indoor air quality, and it can also potentially lead to more significant maintenance issues. Regular maintenance, including filter replacement, is crucial to keeping you comfortable and saving you money. For more information, reach out to the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Your air conditioning system is crucial to providing comfort for your home, but things can happen sometimes that reduce your AC unit’s efficiency. A common problem as these systems age and experience natural wear and tear is leakage. There are a number of reasons as to what causes the leaks, and they can result in decreased cooling efficiency, which can lead to higher energy bills.

The weather in Colorado can be an ever-changing monster, meaning you never know when you might need to turn on the air conditioner to remain comfortable. Finding trusted AC repair in Denver will help identify these problems, and uncover what types of repairs are needed. While some units may require minimal repairs, you may also need to replace parts or the entire unit in some cases.

AC Leaks Can Happen Through Simple Everyday Use

Your AC unit is a machine, which means it’s going to break down eventually. One of the most common causes of leaks by simple wear and tear is corrosion or rust. Over time, the components inside your air conditioner can corrode or rust because of exposure to moisture or chemicals. This corrosion weakens the integrity of the components, causing potential leaks. Because these units have a lot of moving parts, the vibration of the components can lead to wear and tear on those same connections, which can also cause leaks to develop.

Normal use will cause the components to deteriorate over time, which is why it’s important to have your system checked at least annually. This will identify cracks or holes or seals that have been weakened. Since the unit is outside, it’s also open to the elements. Physical damage from accidental impacts or things like hail storms can damage or dislodge components, allowing for an increased chance for potential leaks.

Get Your AC Unit Inspected

Air conditioners run through a complex system, and if one of those parts goes haywire, there is the potential for leaks. Clogged drain lines can be a common cause, as these clogs can cause water to back up and leak into the surrounding areas. The AC unit pulls the moisture from the air, and this moisture needs to get drained away. Things like algae, debris, or mold can cause these back-ups.

If condensation builds up on AC components – particularly the evaporator coil – intermittent freezing and thawing can occur. If the system is working in a way that causes this freezing and thawing to happen repeatedly, it can lead to leaks and cracks. Your unit also has refrigerant flowing through the system, and any leaks in the refrigerant coils, lines, or other components can result in a refrigerant leak that could damage the environment.

Leaks can cause a lot of problems to your energy efficiency, leading to inconsistent cooling and higher energy bills. It’s important to have a professional technician inspect and service your system on a regular basis. If you suspect a leak, it’s important to address it promptly to make sure it’s working optimally, and to prevent further damage to the system.

Creating a cool and comfortable home comes down to the numbers—learn how to use your system efficiently.

Utility prices are on the rise, and many of us are feeling this change in our monthly bills. With the rising rates, more people are looking for ways to use their thermostats while minimizing the use of resources. One great way to approach this is to use your thermostat effectively to maximize efficiency.

In this article, we will explore the best settings for smart thermostat use!

Choosing the Right Temperature for Optimal Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency can have a huge impact on your bills, and every system is designed to work in specific ways. To make the most of your heating and cooling system, keep these considerations in mind. With the right approach, you can make the most of your system and cut down on costs!

How Does Temperature Influence Energy Efficiency?

When it comes to heating and cooling, temperature is the largest focus. We use these systems to heat and cool our homes, but how we feel is not the only important factor to consider. The temperature you maintain in your home can determine how hard your system works and how much running that system costs you.

Factors That Influence Temperature and Optimal Energy Efficiency

It would be nice if there were one single temperature to keep your home at all year long, but several internal and external factors can influence the effectiveness of your system. These are some of the factors that can impact your energy efficiency:

• The season or outdoor temperature
• The type of system you use
• The insulation of your home

How to Determine the Best Temperature Setting for Your Home

The best way to optimize your system’s efficiency is to know how to use it year-round. This generally means maintaining a specific temperature that changes depending on the season. In summer, it is best to maintain a higher temperature in the high seventies. In winter, it is best to keep a cooler temperature in the high sixties.

As a general rule, it helps to adapt your temperatures seasonally and depending on who is home. When you aren’t home, it is best to let your home be hotter in summer and cooler in winter. Only using the system when you are home can have a huge and positive impact. Setting a schedule or using a smart system can make this very easy!

The Takeaway

The temperature you keep your home at can determine how hard these systems have to work. Maintaining some kind of balance with the temperature outside and avoiding overuse will strain your system less. Of course, choosing an energy-efficient system can also help. To learn more about how to get the most out of your Denver air conditioning and heating, contact us today!