Are Your HVAC Systems Wasting Energy? — Bob Boldt HVAC | Kitchener ON

You know the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, just because something still works, it doesn’t mean it works well, or the way it should.This is especially true for your heating and cooling systems. As a unit ages, it becomes less energy efficient, and subsequently, less effective at maintaining just the right temp. What’s more, deferred maintenance can further decrease energy efficiency, drive up costs, and cause a system to under-perform. What’s worse, signs of wear and tear are often so subtle you might not notice them until it’s too late.Here are 6 signs your HVAC system isn’t as efficient as it should – or could – be.

1. Temperature fluctuations from room to room. If not properly sized and designed, an HVAC system can cause cold and warm spots. What’s more, an under- or over-sized system will work much harder than it needs to, resulting in wasted energy and added wear and tear on system components.

2. Central AC doesn’t remove humidity as effectively as it once did. In addition to keeping you perfectly cool and comfortable on the hottest days of summer, an efficient central air system should also effectively control humidity. When it no longer can, whether due to age or lack of maintenance, you’ll find yourself lowering the thermostat more and more to find some relief. This results in higher utility bills and added system stress.

3. Heating or cooling the entire house. Picture this: your home has a partially finished basement that serves as a home office and playroom, a first floor with a kitchen, dining room, and living room, and a second floor with a few bedrooms and a bathroom or two. Does it make sense to heat or cool every square inch while you work, eat, or sleep? A better, more efficient approach is to zone your home by levels or living areas with separate thermostat controls for each zone.

4. Rising utility bills. Unless you start working from home and have more people under one roof more often, or your utility company has increased their rates, your monthly costs should remain relatively consistent from year to year. If you notice a not-so-subtle increase in utility costs, it’s usually a sign of wasted energy, once again caused by system age and/or a lack maintenance.

5. Frequent repairs. Nothing lasts forever. But if you find yourself calling an HVAC tech more often than you call your mother, this could be a sign that it’s time to invest in a replacement unit.

6. Approaching the 15-year mark. As a system nears the end of its expected life, it often requires more frequent repairs and works less efficiently, translating into higher costs for you. Expect to get up to 15 years from your AC system and furnace. In fact, replacing a 12 year old HVAC system with a new, high-efficiency system with result in immediate savings.

If your heating or cooling system is well below its expected lifespan but hasn’t been properly maintained in more than a year, it’s never too late to start what should be become an annual event. At Bob Boldt HVAC, we specialize in helping our customers make the most of their investment in premium indoor comfort and convenience, while helping them enjoy the benefits of maximum energy efficiency.  Contact us today to schedule service.