Moving furniture away from returns so that air has a pathway back to the air handler. The performance of air handlers are mathematical functions. For it to move 400 cubic feet per minute out - it has to have 400cfm come back into it.
If it doesn't get it thru the designed return ductwork - it will obtain it from elsewhere - such as duct cracks in attics, basements, etc. Not only an energy efficiency issue, but indoor air quality issue.
Transfer grills or jumper ducts installed between bedrooms and the return. Good discussion of it here:
Maintaining the cooling coils. Dust accumulates on them (most filters are primarily designed to protect the coil, not the inhabitants). To remove moisture - they require periodic cleaning (once a year desired, definitely no less than every two years). Get them to check your coolant levels as well. By someone reputable, knowledgeable. Even in new systems, undercharging has been found to be a major cause of inefficiency (up to 20%).
And maybe discuss installing one of the 4 inch filters rather than 1" ducts. Not only do they allow higher filtration levels for longer periods of time between changes (including to levels that will protect your family from things like asthma attacks the next time Canada is burning and you're breathing the result), but the reduced static pressure means your air handler doesn't have to work as hard to get that 400cfm/ton back so it can condition it. Which means less energy used now, and less strain on your equipment long term - which reduces the risk of system failure.
As always, thanks for bringing up. Looking forward to the next one.
True, true, true.
Other things to consider (among many).
Moving furniture away from returns so that air has a pathway back to the air handler. The performance of air handlers are mathematical functions. For it to move 400 cubic feet per minute out - it has to have 400cfm come back into it.
If it doesn't get it thru the designed return ductwork - it will obtain it from elsewhere - such as duct cracks in attics, basements, etc. Not only an energy efficiency issue, but indoor air quality issue.
Transfer grills or jumper ducts installed between bedrooms and the return. Good discussion of it here:
https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/transfer-grilles
Maintaining the cooling coils. Dust accumulates on them (most filters are primarily designed to protect the coil, not the inhabitants). To remove moisture - they require periodic cleaning (once a year desired, definitely no less than every two years). Get them to check your coolant levels as well. By someone reputable, knowledgeable. Even in new systems, undercharging has been found to be a major cause of inefficiency (up to 20%).
And maybe discuss installing one of the 4 inch filters rather than 1" ducts. Not only do they allow higher filtration levels for longer periods of time between changes (including to levels that will protect your family from things like asthma attacks the next time Canada is burning and you're breathing the result), but the reduced static pressure means your air handler doesn't have to work as hard to get that 400cfm/ton back so it can condition it. Which means less energy used now, and less strain on your equipment long term - which reduces the risk of system failure.
As always, thanks for bringing up. Looking forward to the next one.