As Southerners, we want to stay cool and comfortable during the balmier season — but we want to do it efficiently. Here to help us is Joseph Braswell, owner of Guin Service LLC, a local HVAC and plumbing company started in 1958 by Braswell’s grandfather, whose last name was Guin. Once air conditioning gained popularity in Southern homes, HVAC services also became part of the Guin name, and today, Braswell and team are respected throughout Birmingham as a long-standing family business with vast industry knowledge and unparalleled customer service.
Here are Braswell’s top 5 ways to save money and run your HVAC system more efficiently.
1. - GET YOUR SYSTEM SERVICED.
Braswell pointed out that getting your HVAC system serviced at least annually — any time of year is fine — is the first step to efficiency. And, of course, change the filters regularly.
“If the unit is dirty, the coils are clogged or the filters need to be changed, the unit has to work harder, which can use more energy,” he said. “And, of course, you want to avoid breakdowns in the heat of summer.”
2. - CONSIDER THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE.
Environmental agencies are always pushing us to raise the thermostat a degree or two in summer — yet, for most people in the South, running the thermostat at 80 degrees is far from appealing. However, if you have to crank the AC all the way down to 68, you have a humidity problem, Braswell pointed out. He added that a higher efficiency HVAC can control the humidity level in your household, as well as the temperature.
“You can have your temperature at 75 degrees when the humidity is at 50%, no problem,” he noted. “And if you get the humidity down in your home, dust mites and mold can’t survive. It’s ideal for those suffering from breathing issues.”
3. INVEST IN A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT.
One of the bonuses of the modern era is the programmable thermostat, which will tell you throughout the day about the performance of your HVAC system in terms of running time and energy usage, plus even offer lifestyle tips. While newer HVAC systems often come packaged with these snazzy thermostats, Braswell’s team can install one for your existing system.
4. USE YOUR FAN, AND SEAL YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS.
You know the “On” switch on your HVAC system’s fan? Use it, advised Braswell. Yes, it will take a bit of energy to keep the fan on at all times — but not nearly as much as energy as the air compressor.
“You can turn the temperature a little higher and keep the fan on and also use your ceiling fans,” Braswell pointed out.
Sealing doors and windows and ensuring the attic is properly insulated — with time, insulation can deteriorate — are more ways to help your HVAC system.
5. CHECK YOUR DUCTWORK.
The average American house has duct leakage of about 20%, according to Braswell.
“That means that 20% of the cool air is leaking out into your crawlspace or basement and not cooling you off,” he explained.
Older homes, especially, should ensure that ductwork is insulated and sealed.
Is it worth it to upgrade now?
Readers might be thinking that it’s time to replace the HVAC system with something more modern after reading this — but Braswell pointed out that being too hasty to replace a still-operating older system is not wise. Furthermore, the return on investment for an expensive new unit can be rather long-term.
“You have to look at what’s important to you and how long you want to wait to get a return,” he said. “There’s no sense in taking out a perfectly good HVAC, but when it is time, you should consider going with a high efficiency system.”
