Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Eastland, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to decrease your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could account for nearly half of the energy you use.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, there are several ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block them from polluting your space. However, when your filters become dirty, it isn’t just your air quality that is affected. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Contact J & J Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. Once it is spring, have an HVAC professional assess your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them come back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Routine maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. J & J Air Conditioning professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or gone. The closer the house’s temp is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take extreme measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with J & J Air Conditioning to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Assess Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a likelihood your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve decided it’s time to look for a replacement system, J & J Air Conditioning can give give you a hand. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about watching your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at J & J Air Conditioning in Eastland is ready to guide you. Call us at 254-355-3833 or schedule an appointment online.