CAN I SAVE MONEY USING MY AIR-CONDITION?

HVAC Optimization Saves Energy

Lets talk about 30-40% of your electricity bill.  That's how much it costs the average homeowner or commercial building owner to provide proper heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC). A good HVAC system is the key to maintaining a comfortable, healthy and interior environment. Through the years, I have been asked by many owners for a strategy to reduce their cost of energy and HVAC.  They don't want to sacrifice the interior environmental conditions, but they do want a point-by-point plan to follow.  The interesting thing that often happens is that energy bills are lowered substantially and the HVAC system performance is improved.  This is a standard function of any mechanical engineer specializing in energy and HVAC.
The information on this page will help homeowners, building owners and building operators make informed decisions about existing HVAC systems or future upgrades

Key Point: Operation and Maintenance
How to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is operation and maintenance.  The most efficient HVAC systems are well maintained. Ensure reliability, efficiency and a long life for your HVAC system by following these tips.
Find a qualified consultant you trust.  If you are a home owner or small commercial building owner, find a good HVAC company or mechanic to evaluate and maintain your system.  If you are a large commercial building owner, find a commercial HVAC company for normal maintenance.  Make sure you record and document all servicing with dates, times and names of the servicing person.
Home owners should always get a seasonal tune up.  The operation of your system will vary with the seasons of the year. 

• Condenser covers: do not cover your outside condenser.  These vinyl covers do not allow the unit to breathe properly.  If you are living in the northern area of the U.S., a simple plywood board over the top will protect the fan and avoid ice melt into the unit.  Any other cover source will only contribute to condensation which will ultimately present rust and remove years of life from the unit.
• Filters: replace your air filters regularly.  Don't use anything less then a MERV 5 filter to assure dust and fibers are removed.  Clean filters will save fan energy.
• Condenser coil: coil cleaning is always a big item overlooked by residential and commercial building owners.  Condenser coils collect dirt and debris on their surfaces because they are outside.  This makes the compressor work harder and results in a higher refrigerant temperature in your refrigeration system. 
• Evaporator and heating coils collect dust and fibers that circulate inside your home or building.  Clean them at least once a year.

Summary
Energy and HVAC optimization will reduce your electricity costs. A little time getting to know your system and familiarizing yourself with improvement strategies will save money and increase the life of your equipment.