During the coldest and hottest weeks in Pflugerville, 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 energy usage.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are several ways—big and small—to adapt 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, 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 routinely keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Call Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. Once it is spring, have an HVAC expert inspect 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 cooler weather sets in later. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as stress-free 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 crazy measures every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working 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 decided it’s time to look for a replacement system, Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning in Pflugerville is all set to guide you. Contact us at 512-355-1482 or schedule an appointment online.