Save Money by Maintaining Your Mechanical Ventilation System

Posted by Guest Blogger on October 24, 2011

Fall is a great time of year to check your mechanical ventilation system. Keeping these systems well maintained is a simple, cost effective way to save you money on your winter energy bills.

A great place to start is to change or clean the filters for these systems regularly. Dirty filters restrict air flow, which makes your heating system work harder. This ultimately reduces the overall efficiency of your heating system. Furnace filters should be changed on a monthly basis, and the filters in your heat recovery unit should be cleaned before each heating season. While installing new air filters, take the time to make sure they’re facing the correct direction. Improper filter installation will hinder your system’s operating efficiency. 

After you change and clean your filters, do a walk-through of your home, and check your floor registers. Be sure that each vent is not blocked by a rug, drapes or furniture. Then check your outdoor vents to make sure they are clean and free of debris. Also, check any ductwork that runs through portions of your home that are not climate controlled. Verify that each vent is sealed and that each connection is tight. Check your supply air duct boots – the connection between the duct work and the vent – and cold air return air registers, and make sure they are sealed to the register with caulking.

Proper venting for your dryer will also help you cut down your monthly energy bills. One simple way to keep your dryer operating efficiently is to clean the lint filter after every load. This lint may also get into the dryer’s vent, which should be cleaned out once a year. 

In addition to keeping your dryer vent system clean, make sure there are no kinks or restrictions in the dryer hose and that the outside louvers (device that opens to release air from the dryer) open and close easily. This will prevent cold air from coming back into your home. 

For more mechanical ventilation energy-saving tips or to do a virtual energy-saving walk through of a home, visit www.togetherwesave.com.