Throughout the coldest and hottest weeks in Carpentersville, 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 your household’s energy use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink 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 expends 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 house. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an unwarranted 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 around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Call Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. While it’s 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 back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as stress-free 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 each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to determine 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, usually allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a possibility your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc can help you out. We’ll help you get to know 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 book maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc in Carpentersville is prepared to guide you. Call us at 224-412-8308 or schedule an appointment online.