Throughout the coldest and hottest weeks in Lexington, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 the energy you use.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are many ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your house. 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. Changing out your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an excessive 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 James Heating & A/C, Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. 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 winter weather sets in later. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. James Heating & A/C, Inc professionals are well-equipped 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 gone. The closer the temp in your house 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 easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with James Heating & A/C, Inc to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a burden 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 have, there’s a likelihood your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve come to the conclusion it’s time to look for a replacement system, James Heating & A/C, Inc can help you out. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about managing your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at James Heating & A/C, Inc in Lexington is prepared to guide you. Contact us at 336-853-6070 or schedule an appointment online.