Does it seem like your home is impossible to cool or heat evenly, no matter how often you run your AC or heater? As SoCal HVAC professionals, we’ve seen countless homes with heating and cooling challenges, and we’re excited to share our knowledge with you about how to solve this problem, save money, and feel more comfortable year-round.
Ready to get started? Use these tips to create more even temperatures throughout your home.
1. Put up energy-efficient window treatments.
You’ve probably noticed that areas next to windows tend to be chilly during winter and uncomfortably warm during summer. Because they lack insulation, windows can be a significant source of heat loss and heat gain. You can avoid these temperature problems by installing energy-efficient window attachments.
Thick coverings like thermal curtains and Roman shades act like insulation, keeping warmth inside your home during cold weather and blocking heat from outside during hot weather. If you prefer an option that lets in more light, install insulated cellular shades.
2. Air seal your home.
Homeowners are often surprised by how many air leak sources their homes contain. These are just a few possible air leak locations that could be affecting your energy bills:
- Windows
- Doors
- Holes in your walls for pipes, cables, and wiring
- Recessed Lighting
- Your attic hatch
- Where your foundation meets your home’s wood framing
Generally, caulk and weatherstripping are the best materials to seal air leaks. You’ll find that air sealing your home will not only reduce its draftiness during winter and heat gain during summer, but it can reduce the amount of time your HVAC system needs to run, saving you money.
3. Seal your ductwork.
To help achieve even temperatures throughout your home, your HVAC system needs to run at peak efficiency. This will be impossible if there are rips and gaps in your ductwork. If you think your home is immune from ductwork issues, you might be unpleasantly surprised. In fact, ENERGY STAR reports that in a typical household, 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through the ductwork is lost due to leaks!
Not only does this amount to a lot of wasted energy, but it means that your HVAC system will continue struggling to make your home an even, comfortable temperature. The longer and harder your system needs to work, the more wear-and-tear it accumulates, and the more the chances of a breakdown increase. In short: if you’ve never had your air ducts sealed, it can be well worth your time and money to make this improvement.
4. Install a zoning system.
During the hottest and coldest months of the year, some rooms will always be hotter or colder than others if you own a conventional HVAC system. However, by adding a zoning system, you can choose which rooms or “zones” to heat or cool in your home.
There are significant benefits to installing a zoning system.
- You’ll never have to waste money and energy conditioning unoccupied areas of your home.
- You can direct cool or warm air where it’s most needed.
- Your home will be more comfortable and energy-efficient.
- Your HVAC system will last longer because it won’t need to run as often.
5. Keep up with your HVAC system’s required maintenance.
If your home has hot and cold spots that it didn’t use to have, this is a fairly strong indication that your HVAC system is overdue for maintenance and can’t keep up. According to the Department of Energy, without routine maintenance, your system’s performance will go downhill and require more and more energy over time.
If you can’t remember the last time you scheduled a tune-up for your HVAC system, contact a licensed HVAC professional that can provide your equipment with a thorough system check as well as maintenance so that you can prevent any major problems.
6. Install modern technology to maximize your current AC’s airflow, filtration, and cooling ability.
Living in a warmer climate, you might find yourself running your air conditioner constantly to beat the heat. Fortunately, there is a more energy-efficient, cost-effective way to keep your home comfortable 24/7.
If your central heating and cooling system was installed within the past 15 years, then it’s most likely compatible with a hybrid, high-performance integrated control system called the Econo Air Mizer. This system incorporates your furnace's blower drive system and AC to purge hot, humid air out of your home and attic and circulate clean, fresh air.
Unlike whole-house fans, which are typically noisy and blow around dust and dirt, the Econo Air Mizer:
- runs quietly while helping your home maintain a cool, even temperature
- completely exchanges the air in your home 5 to 15 times per hour
- contains dual air filtration to trap dust, dander, and other microscopic particles
- uses an ultraviolet germicidal air scrubber to purify the air and surfaces in your home
- helps keep your HVAC system clean and efficient
The end result is consistently fresh, comfortable air achieved with less energy and less wear-and-tear on your HVAC equipment than before.
Learn more about the Econo Air Mizer, including what it does and how it works, by contacting our experienced Southern California HVAC professionals at Econo Air: (714) 710-1070.