2022 was a real eye opener during the energy crisis, it exposed how vulnerable we are to outside influences out of control. While it taught us to be more frugal when it came to energy consumption, there are a few ways we can still keep warm while keeping energy consumption down.
Firstly, it really does come down to how functional and efficient your heating system is.
- How old is your heating system?
The fact that technology is advancing so fast, it is worth keeping up to date with your appliances so you aren’t paying excessive energy bills. Just because your system is still “working” doesn’t mean it really is working!!
What we mean is over time, your air conditioning may lose its efficiency and not be performing like it once did. We know the saying – “why fix something that isn’t broken?”
But sometimes it really does pay to replace your AC when it is outdated by 15-20 years.
We have come across systems using the same amount of energy to heat a bedroom as it does to heat a whole house with a modern heating system.
- What type of heating system is it?
Do you have a gas ducted heater, wall furnace, oil heater or split system?
Again, depending on the type of heating system you have can really make a difference when it comes to how much you are paying. Some areas in Australia pay more for gas than others, some pay more for electricity than others. Where ever you are, its important to keep up to date with your appliances.
Having solar panels can really off set the costs of running a split system during the day by utilising the solar power generated.
Old oil heaters and wall furnaces are very inefficient as they never reach temperature and continuously run without every turning off, this can lead to extremely high bills and leave you uncomfortable for hours.
- When was the last time your system was serviced?
Servicing your heating equipment is also very important as it may already be running inefficiently. By doing something as simple as cleaning your filters, you can dramatically decrease your energy costs and reduce the strain on the equipment. While cleaning your filters is a very general part of maintenance, it is best to hire a licensed contractor to carry out all gas and electrical works.
- Is it functioning correctly?
Again, this is going back to how efficient your heating system is working. When was the last time your heating system was serviced, how old is your heating system and what type of system it is.
- Is it reaching set temperature and turning on and off frequently?
- Does it feel as hot as it used to be?
- Is someone getting sick while the system is running?
- Is it turning off too frequently and not heating your home?
- Are you getting poor air flow through the home and/or in specific areas?
- Do you have a zoning system that’s not working?
- Is it making an abnormal noise?
- Is it using more energy than it once did?
These are just some reasons why you should consult an air conditioning contractor.
- Has the system been installed properly?
This is one we see far too often – poor installation can lead to excessive energy costs.
When your system is installed incorrectly it prevents the system from performing the way it was designed, meaning it won’t turn off when it’s designed to. Refer to the questions above and contact a contractor to oversee the installation your equipment.
- Has it been designed correctly?
Lastly, if a system is designed incorrectly it can lead to the system never turning off, turning off too early, airflow issues, being oversized, being undersized and also equipment not application for the application.
Not every house needs to have a centralised system, more often than not there are areas in your house being heated when the area is unoccupied. This can lead to unnecessary energy costs and heat a area where no one is living in. why not consider a zoning system or a split system, this way – you are only using what you turn on and only servicing an area which people are in. Logically this just makes sense but a lot of homes have systems in which the whole house is being serviced all the time.