During the coldest and hottest weeks in Macon, 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 account for nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are several ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop 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. Replacing your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Air Temperature Control to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. 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 return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the winter weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Air Temperature Control professionals are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. 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 crazy measures every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Air Temperature Control to see if either of these options will work for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a good chance 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 Temperature Control can help you out. We’ll help you get to know 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 Air Temperature Control in Macon is all set to guide you. Call us at 478-202-3170 or schedule an appointment online.