What are some common measures to improve HVAC system efficiency?

Regular maintenance and proper sizing are fundamental measures to enhance the efficiency of HVAC systems. Maintenance activities, such as cleaning and servicing components, ensure that the system operates optimally, which can significantly improve its overall performance and longevity. For instance, changing air filters regularly and ensuring that coils are clean helps reduce energy consumption and increases the system's efficiency.

Proper sizing of HVAC systems is equally crucial; systems that are too large or too small can lead to inefficiencies. An oversized system may cycle on and off too frequently, which can waste energy, while an undersized system struggles to maintain desired temperatures, leading to excessive energy use and discomfort. Ensuring that the system is correctly sized for the space it serves, taking into consideration factors like insulation, design, and load calculations, contributes greatly to the energy efficiency of HVAC systems.

The other options do not contribute as effectively to efficiency. Reducing the number of vents could limit airflow and lead to uneven heating or cooling, while simply replacing the thermostat might not address the broader issues impacting the system’s efficiency. Additionally, installing larger ductwork is not necessarily beneficial; larger ducts can lead to air loss and decreased efficiency if not properly designed and installed.