Throughout the coldest and hottest weeks in Huffman, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to reduce your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could be the culprit behind nearly half of your energy usage.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system uses 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 stop them from polluting your home. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. 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 unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters might 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 Air Houston Mechanical LLC to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s 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 operate exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Air Houston Mechanical LLC technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. The closer your home’s temperature 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 raising (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulate the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Air Houston Mechanical LLC to see if either of these options is a good fit for you.
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 wrong size for your home, or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a possibility 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, Air Houston Mechanical LLC can help you out. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about managing your energy costs, need to book maintenance, or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Air Houston Mechanical LLC in Huffman is ready to guide you. Reach us at (832) 957-9332 or schedule an appointment online.
