During the coldest and hottest days in Mobile, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. On the other hand, 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 your household’s energy use.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect 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 plenty of ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to upholding 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 house. 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 every month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. 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 cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. 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 drastic 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 manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Review Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a good chance 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, Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is here to help. We’ll help you understand 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 arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc in Mobile is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 251-471-2674 or schedule an appointment online.