Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Fort Lauderdale, 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 good place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are many ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Replace 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 prevent 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 lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Switching out your air filter regularly 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 around dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Reach out to Solar Air Inc. to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. 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 to your house again to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Solar Air Inc. technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill 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 extreme measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat helps 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, typically allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Solar Air Inc. to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the incorrect 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 come to the conclusion it’s time to look for a replacement system, Solar Air Inc. is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about watching your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Solar Air Inc. in Fort Lauderdale is prepared to guide you. Call us at 954-320-7398 or schedule an appointment online.