Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Lafayette, your heating and cooling system is an important 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 be the culprit behind nearly half of your energy usage.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect 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 plenty of ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block them from polluting your space. However, more than just your air quality suffers when your filters are full of debris. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Switching out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each 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 at your home. Contact AC Sales to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate 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 technician assess your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them come to your house again to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the winter weather sets in later. Routine maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. AC Sales technicians are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. 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 drastic 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 gone.
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 regulates the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with AC Sales to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Assess Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the wrong size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, 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, AC Sales can help you out. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about watching your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at AC Sales in Lafayette is all set to guide you. Reach us at (337) 234-2345 or schedule an appointment online.
