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MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PAT HAYES
Complete Energy-Saving HVAC Guide
Let me tell you something that might surprise you: your heating and cooling system is likely the biggest energy hog in your home. After 20+ years in the HVAC business here in Covington with ACS, I’ve seen countless homeowners shocked when they discover their system accounts for 40-50% of their total energy use. That’s like having half your paycheck go to one expense every month!
But here’s the good news – I’m going to show you exactly how to slash those energy costs without sacrificing comfort. These aren’t just theories from a textbook; these are proven strategies I’ve implemented in thousands of Georgia homes, including my own. If you’re concerned about potential safety issues with your current system, I encourage you to schedule your consultation with ACS to ensure everything is operating safely and efficiently.
Think of your HVAC system like your car. You wouldn’t drive 100,000 miles without changing the oil, right? Yet many homeowners run their systems year after year without basic maintenance, wondering why their energy bills keep climbing. The truth is, your system’s efficiency can decline significantly without proper care, forcing it to work harder and consume more energy to maintain the same comfort level.
Living in Covington, we face unique challenges. Our hot, humid summers and unpredictable winters mean our HVAC systems work overtime. I’ve seen July electric bills that would make your eyes water, and January heating costs that rival car payments. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
What I’m about to share with you comes from fixing, installing, and optimizing HVAC systems across Newton County for over two decades. These tips work because they address the root causes of energy waste, not just the symptoms. Whether you’re in a historic home near the Square or a new construction in one of our growing subdivisions, these strategies will put money back in your pocket month after month.
Understanding Energy-Saving HVAC
Master Your Thermostat Settings and Programming
Let me start with the easiest win – your thermostat. This little device on your wall is like the brain of your HVAC system, and most people are using it completely wrong. I can’t tell you how many homes I visit where the thermostat is set to the same temperature 24/7, wasting energy when nobody’s home.
Here’s what works for Covington homes: During summer, set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and bump it up to 85°F when you’re away. I know that sounds warm, but hear me out. Every degree you raise your thermostat in summer can reduce your cooling costs significantly. Your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, and you’re not paying to cool an empty house.
For winter, flip the strategy. Keep it at 68°F when you’re home and drop it to 60°F when you’re away or sleeping. Throw on a sweater – it’s a lot cheaper than cranking up the heat! I do this in my own home, and my winter heating bills are about 30% lower than my neighbors with similar-sized houses.
But here’s the real game-changer: programmable thermostats. If you’re still using an old manual thermostat, you’re leaving money on the table. A programmable model lets you set different temperatures for different times automatically. Wake up to a warm house without heating it all night. Come home to cool comfort without running the AC all day while you’re at work.
Smart thermostats take this even further. They learn your schedule, adjust based on whether anyone’s home, and let you control everything from your phone. According to the US Department of Energy, proper thermostat management can significantly reduce energy consumption. Last month, I installed one for a customer who travels frequently. Now he can adjust his home’s temperature from anywhere, ensuring he’s not cooling an empty house while he’s in Atlanta for business.
The key is matching your thermostat schedule to your life. Most people in Covington leave for work around 7:30 AM and return around 6 PM. Program your system to start adjusting 30 minutes before you leave and 30 minutes before you return. This way, you save energy during those 10+ hours when nobody’s home, but you still come back to comfort.
What to Expect
Prioritize Regular Maintenance and Filter Changes
Now, let’s talk about something I see neglected in 90% of homes – regular maintenance. Your HVAC system is like any other machine; ignore it, and it’ll break down when you need it most. But maintain it properly, and it’ll run efficiently for years.
The single most important thing you can do? Change your air filter regularly. I mean it – this one simple task can reduce your energy consumption by 5-15%. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, like trying to breathe through a straw. In Covington’s pollen-heavy spring and dusty summer, filters get dirty fast.
Here’s my rule: check your filter monthly and change it at least every three months. During peak pollen season (March through May around here), I change mine monthly. If you’ve pets, definitely go monthly. Those fur balls clog filters faster than you’d think. Mark it on your calendar, set a phone reminder, whatever it takes. This $20 filter can save you hundreds in energy costs and prevent thousands in repairs.
But filters are just the start. Your system needs professional maintenance at least once a year – ideally twice, before summer and winter. During these tune-ups, we clean components you can’t reach, check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, and catch small problems before they become expensive disasters.
I recently serviced a system in Covington that hadn’t been touched in five years. The coils were so dirty the system was running constantly just to maintain temperature. After cleaning, their next electric bill dropped by $80. That maintenance visit paid for itself in one month!
Here’s what proper maintenance prevents: dirty coils reducing efficiency, low refrigerant causing the system to run longer, loose electrical connections creating safety hazards, and worn parts failing during peak season. Think about it – would you rather pay for preventive maintenance or emergency repairs during a Georgia heat wave?
Don’t forget about your outdoor unit either. Keep it clear of debris, trim bushes back at least two feet, and gently rinse it with a hose monthly during summer. I’ve seen units completely choked by kudzu – that aggressive vine we all battle in Georgia. Your outdoor unit needs to breathe to work efficiently.
Investment and Value
Seal and Insulate for Maximum Efficiency
Here’s where we separate the serious savers from the casual ones. You can have the most efficient HVAC system in the world, but if your home leaks like a sieve, you’re still wasting money. It’s like trying to fill a bucket with holes in it.
Let’s start with your ductwork. Research from Energy Star, shows that the average home loses 20-30% of conditioned air through duct leaks. That means nearly a third of the air you’re paying to heat or cool never makes it to your rooms! In older Covington homes, I’ve seen losses approaching 40%.
I always tell homeowners to check their ductwork, especially in unconditioned spaces like attics and crawl spaces. Look for disconnected ducts, holes, and poorly sealed joints. Feel around joints while the system’s running – if you feel air escaping, you’ve found a leak. Professional duct sealing can reduce your energy bills by up to 20% and improve comfort dramatically.
But ducts are just part of the story. Your home’s envelope – walls, windows, doors, and attic – needs proper sealing and insulation too. In Georgia, building codes require at least R-38 insulation in attics, but I recommend R-49 for optimal efficiency. Many older Covington homes have R-19 or less, leaving money floating right through the ceiling.
Check your attic insulation. If you can see the ceiling joists, you need more. Adding insulation is one of the best investments you can make. I added extra insulation to my own 1960s ranch home and cut my summer cooling bills by 25%. The project paid for itself in two years.
Don’t forget about air sealing. Those little gaps around windows, doors, outlets, and pipes add up. On a windy day, walk around with a lit incense stick. Where the smoke wavers, you’ve got a leak. Caulk and weatherstrip these areas. It’s cheap, easy, and makes a huge difference.
Windows deserve special attention in our Georgia climate. Single-pane windows are energy disasters. If replacement isn’t in the budget, consider storm windows or heavy curtains. During summer, keep curtains closed on sun-facing windows during the day. This simple step can reduce cooling load by 10-15%.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
Sometimes, the best way to save energy is to upgrade old, inefficient equipment. If your HVAC system is over 10-15 years old, it’s probably costing you far more than necessary. Modern systems are dramatically more efficient than older models.
Let me put this in perspective. A 20-year-old air conditioner might have a SEER rating of 10 or less. Today’s standard models start at SEER 14, and high-efficiency units reach SEER 20 or higher. That’s literally twice as efficient! Upgrading from SEER 10 to SEER 16 can cut your cooling costs by 40%.
But don’t just look at SEER ratings. In Covington’s humid climate, proper sizing is crucial. An oversized system cycles on and off frequently, never running long enough to remove humidity. You’ll feel clammy even at the right temperature. An undersized system runs constantly, driving up bills and wearing out prematurely. At ACS, we perform detailed load calculations to ensure your new system is sized perfectly for your home.
Heat pumps deserve special consideration in our climate. Unlike traditional systems that create heat, heat pumps move heat, making them incredibly efficient. Modern heat pumps work well even in our occasional cold snaps. Many Covington homeowners are switching to heat pumps and seeing dramatic savings.
When upgrading, consider variable-speed systems. Instead of just “on” or “off,” they adjust output to match demand. It’s like cruise control for your HVAC – maintaining comfort while using minimal energy. They also provide better humidity control and quieter operation.
Don’t overlook smaller upgrades either. A programmable or smart thermostat, as I mentioned earlier, offers great bang for your buck. Ceiling fans help too – they let you feel comfortable at higher temperatures in summer and help distribute heat in winter. Just remember to reverse the direction seasonally.
If a full system replacement isn’t feasible, consider upgrading components. A variable-speed blower motor can improve efficiency and comfort. New refrigerant types are more efficient and environmentally friendly. Even upgrading your thermostat can yield significant savings.
The key is calculating return on investment. Yes, a new high-efficiency system costs more upfront, but between energy savings and available rebates, payback periods are often shorter than you’d think. I recently helped a customer upgrade their 18-year-old system. Between Georgia Power rebates and monthly savings, they’ll recoup their investment in under five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I really change my air filter in Covington’s climate?
A: In Covington, I recommend checking your filter monthly and changing it at least every 90 days. However, during our heavy pollen season from March to May, monthly changes are better. If you’ve pets or allergies, stick with monthly year-round. I’ve seen filters completely clogged with yellow pollen after just three weeks in April. Remember, a clean filter is the cheapest way to improve efficiency and protect your system.
Q: What temperature should I set my thermostat to save the most money?
A: For maximum savings in Covington, I recommend 78°F when you’re home in summer and 85°F when away. In winter, try 68°F when home and 60°F when away or sleeping. Every degree closer to the outside temperature saves energy. I know 78°F sounds warm, but with ceiling fans and proper humidity control, most people adapt quickly. The savings are worth it – typically 3-5% per degree.
Q: Is it worth upgrading to a smart thermostat?
A: Absolutely, especially if you’ve an irregular schedule or forget to adjust your thermostat. Smart thermostats learn your patterns and adjust automatically. They can save 10-23% on heating and cooling costs. Plus, controlling your system remotely is incredibly convenient. Last week, a customer called me thrilled that he could turn on his AC from the airport, arriving home to comfort instead of a stuffy house.
Q: How do I know if my ductwork is leaking?
A: There are several signs: rooms that won’t stay comfortable, unusually high energy bills, excessive dust, or visible duct damage. You can do a simple test – with the system running, feel around duct connections in your attic or crawl space. If you feel air escaping, you’ve leaks. Professional testing with specialized equipment can identify all leaks and measure exact losses.
Q: When should I replace my HVAC system instead of repairing it?
A: I use the “5,000 rule” – multiply the repair cost by the system’s age. If it exceeds $5,000, consider replacement. Also replace if your system is over 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, uses R-22 refrigerant (being phased out), or can’t maintain comfortable temperatures. Modern systems are so much more efficient that replacement often makes financial sense even for functioning older units.
Getting Started
Living in Covington, we’re blessed with beautiful seasons but challenged by temperature extremes and humidity. These energy-saving strategies aren’t just theories – they’re proven methods I’ve used to help thousands of local homeowners cut their HVAC costs while staying comfortable year-round.
According to the latest research from The University of Georgia, proper HVAC maintenance and energy-efficient practices can significantly reduce utility costs. Start with the simple steps like adjusting your thermostat and changing filters regularly. Then move on to sealing, insulation, and eventually equipment upgrades. The team at ACS is always here to help you implement these strategies and maximize your energy savings.
As noted by Georgia Power, homeowners who implement comprehensive energy-saving measures see substantial reductions in their monthly bills. Every step saves money and improves comfort. Your HVAC system doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With these tips and regular maintenance, you can enjoy efficient comfort in your Covington home for years to come.