Energy-Saving HVAC Tips for Wilmington Homeowners

As a Wilmington homeowner, you know that hot and humid summers can lead to high energy bills from running your air conditioning constantly. But did you know there are steps you can take to make your HVAC system more efficient and reduce your cooling costs? Revolutionary Air, your trusted local HVAC contractor with over 10 years of experience, shares our top energy-saving HVAC tips for Wilmington residents.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep your HVAC running efficiently is to schedule professional maintenance at least once per year, ideally in the spring before the hot weather hits. During a maintenance visit, a qualified HVAC technician will:

• Clean and tune up your air conditioner or heat pump
• Inspect refrigerant levels and check for leaks
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Tighten electrical connections
• Check and calibrate your thermostat
• Clean the evaporator and condenser coils
• Change the air filter

Getting this preventative care helps your system run smoothly, using less energy and saving you money. It also catches small issues before they turn into costly breakdowns. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system, delaying the need for expensive replacements.

Revolutionary Air offers comprehensive HVAC maintenance plans tailored to your specific system and needs. Our experienced technicians will keep your air conditioner running at peak efficiency all summer long.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Still using an old manual thermostat? Consider upgrading to a smart programmable model. These thermostats let you set schedules to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away at work or asleep. Some can even learn your preferences over time and optimize settings to be as energy-efficient as possible.

With a wifi-enabled smart thermostat, you can also control your HVAC remotely from your smartphone. Forget to adjust the temperature before leaving for vacation? No problem – just open the app and set your AC to vacation mode from anywhere.

Smart thermostats can save you a significant amount on your energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. A smart thermostat makes it easy to set these energy-saving schedules.

Revolutionary Air can help you select and install the perfect smart thermostat for your Wilmington home. We’ll ensure it’s properly calibrated and connected to your HVAC system for maximum efficiency.

Seal Air Leaks and Increase Insulation

Even the most efficient air conditioner will struggle to keep your home cool if all that conditioned air is leaking out through cracks and gaps. Some key places to check for air leaks include:

• Windows and doors
• Electrical outlets
• Recessed lighting
• Baseboards
• Attic hatches
• Fireplaces

Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any leaks you find. For a more thorough approach, consider scheduling a professional energy audit. An auditor will use tools like a blower door test and thermal imaging to pinpoint all the areas where your home is losing energy.

In addition to sealing leaks, adding more insulation in your attic and walls will also help keep the heat out and the cool air in during those blazing Wilmington summers. Proper insulation can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 20%.

If you’re unsure about tackling insulation yourself, Revolutionary Air can connect you with trusted local contractors who specialize in home energy efficiency upgrades.

Use Ceiling Fans

Did you know using ceiling fans in combination with your air conditioning can let you raise the thermostat setting about 4°F without reducing comfort? Make sure your ceiling fans are set to run counterclockwise in the summer – this pushes cool air down.

Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting energy. For even more savings, consider installing ENERGY STAR certified fans which are 60% more efficient than conventional fan/light units.

Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to stay comfortable and reduce your reliance on air conditioning. They use far less energy than your HVAC system – running a fan 24/7 only costs about $1 per month, while air conditioning can cost $100 or more.

Revolutionary Air can install new energy-efficient ceiling fans in your home or help you optimize the ones you already have for maximum cooling power.

Keep Your HVAC Clear and Clean

Your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit needs adequate airflow to work efficiently. Make sure there is at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides and 5 feet of clearance above the unit. Clear away any debris like leaves, grass clippings, or branches that could impede airflow.

Inside, vacuum your registers and vents regularly to remove dust buildup. Move furniture or curtains that may be blocking vents and restrict air circulation. Keeping vents unobstructed allows your HVAC to run more efficiently.

Also, be sure to change your HVAC system’s air filter at least every 3 months (or more often if you have pets or allergies). A dirty filter makes your air conditioner work harder and can lead to poor indoor air quality.

As part of our HVAC maintenance plans, Revolutionary Air will take care of cleaning your outdoor unit and changing your air filters for you. One less thing for you to worry about!

Consider Zoning Your HVAC

Do you have rooms that are always too hot or too cold compared to the rest of the house? You may want to consider installing an HVAC zoning system.

Zoning divides your home into separate areas, each with its own thermostat. Dampers in the ductwork open and close to control the airflow to each zone. This allows you to keep different rooms at different temperatures and avoid wasting energy cooling or heating unoccupied spaces.

Zoning is especially useful for multi-story homes, homes with large windows or cathedral ceilings, and homes with finished basements or attics. It can also help accommodate the different temperature preferences of family members.

A zoned HVAC system does require a more complex installation, but the energy savings and increased comfort are well worth it. Revolutionary Air has extensive experience designing and installing zoned systems – give us a call to learn more.

Plant Shade Trees

Here’s a long-term strategy for keeping your home naturally cooler in the summer – plant shade trees! Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides of your home provide cooling shade in the hot months. In the winter when the leaves fall, they allow the sun to warm your house.

Wilmington’s climate supports many beautiful shade tree options like oak, maple, and crape myrtle. Just be sure to plant them a safe distance from your home’s foundation and HVAC unit.

Strategically placed shade trees can reduce your home’s air conditioning needs by up to 30%. Plus, they add gorgeous curb appeal and can even increase your property value.

If you need help selecting and placing the perfect shade trees for your home, Revolutionary Air can connect you with our network of local landscaping professionals.

Invest in HVAC Installation and Replacement

Even the most well-maintained HVAC system will eventually need to be replaced. If your unit is more than 10-15 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

Today’s air conditioners are much more energy-efficient than older models. Replacing an old 10 SEER unit with a new 16 SEER high-efficiency model could reduce your cooling costs by 38%!

Other signs that it may be time for a new HVAC system include:

• Frequent repairs
• Uneven cooling or heating
• Excessive noise
• Higher than normal energy bills

At Revolutionary Air, our expert team can help you select the perfect new HVAC system for your Wilmington home. We perform quality HVAC installation focused on maximum efficiency and comfort. We’ll make sure your new system is properly sized for your home and calibrated for optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of Energy-Saving HVAC

Pros

1. Lower monthly utility bills from reduced energy usage – Energy-efficient HVAC systems and practices can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs, saving you money month after month.
2. Increased home comfort from more consistent temperatures – Upgrades like zoning, smart thermostats, and new high-efficiency equipment can help eliminate hot or cold spots and keep your home at a more comfortable, consistent temperature.
3. Extended lifespan of HVAC equipment due to reduced wear and tear – When your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, it experiences less strain and may last longer before needing replacement.
4. Potential utility company rebates or tax incentives for energy-efficient upgrades – Many utility companies offer rebates or discounts for installing energy-efficient HVAC equipment or making other efficiency improvements. You may also qualify for federal or state tax credits.
5. Reduced environmental impact and carbon footprint – Using less energy means your home will generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which is better for the environment. If everyone adopted energy-saving HVAC strategies, it could make a big difference in fighting climate change.

Cons

1. Upfront costs for upgrades like a new thermostat or HVAC installation – While energy-efficient upgrades will save you money in the long run, they do require an initial investment. A new high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump can cost several thousand dollars.
2. Time investment for DIY projects like sealing air leaks or cleaning vents – Some energy-saving strategies, like improving your insulation or sealing air leaks, can be time-consuming if you choose to do them yourself. However, the energy savings make it time well spent.
3. Possible disruption to landscaping to plant shade trees – Planting shade trees may involve digging up parts of your yard, which can be disruptive in the short term. But once the trees are established, they provide many benefits beyond just energy savings.
4. Learning curve for new technology like smart thermostats or zoning systems – If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, learning to program a smart thermostat or control a zoned HVAC system may take some time and effort. However, most of these devices are designed to be user-friendly and come with clear instructions.
5. Ongoing costs for professional HVAC maintenance (although usually offset by energy savings) – To keep your HVAC system running efficiently, it’s important to schedule regular professional maintenance. While this does come at a cost, it is usually more than offset by the energy savings and extended equipment life.

By implementing these energy-saving HVAC tips, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long while keeping more money in your pocket. If you need expert help along the way, remember Revolutionary Air is here for all your Wilmington HVAC needs. Call us today to schedule your next maintenance visit or chat about an efficiency upgrade!